Gopal continuing dialogue with Veerappan

CHENNAI, August 4: Gopal, editor of Tamil magazine `Nakkeeran’, and the emissary of the government to elusive outlaw Veerappan who is holding nine Karnataka forest staff hostage, is continuing his talks with the brigand. He is expected to return here on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to an audio cassette sent by him through Nakkeeran representatives to the Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi. Gopal said Veerappan had moved the hostages to a new, dangerous location, and appealed to police forces from both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to stay clear till the return of the emissaries. Veerappan has demanded general amnesty for himself, apart from various other things, in return for the release of the hostages.