Talks over kidnap deadlock

RR Gopal (right) on his second mission to bandit Veerappan

The chief ministers of the southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are meeting to discuss the next step in the protracted kidnap crisis involving film idol Rajkumar.

The talks - in the southern city of Madras - are likely to focus on the latest response from the bandit Veerappan to a mediation mission by special envoy RR Gopal.

Film idol Rajkumar: Kidnapped nearly a month ago

Veerappan kidnapped Rajkumar nearly a month ago and has made a series of demands for his release.

These include political demands like referring a river dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to an international arbitrator, and the release of some of his jailed associates.

The authorities have given way to most of his demands, but say legal hurdles are obstructing others.

'Satisfied'

The Karnataka Chief Minister, SM Krishna, said on Thursday that Veerappan was "satisfied" with some of their responses, and was seeking clarifications regarding some of the others.

Kidnap crisis

30 July: Veerappan kidnaps Rajkumar from his farmhouse

4 August: Cassette tape handed over with Veerappan's demands

12 August: Envoy returns from first mediation mission

24 August: Envoy returns from second mission

Speaking after a second mediation attempt, Mr Krishna said: "He has asked [government emissary] Gopal to facilitate a solution to the problems at the earliest."

He said the bandit had made no fresh demands.

Mr Krishna also said the special envoy had brought back a videotape in which Rajkumar appeals to the film industry in his native Karnataka state to resume work.

The industry had shut down in protest at his kidnapping.

Mr Gopal left for Veerappan's hideout - located somewhere in the thick jungle bordering Tamil Nadu and Karnataka - earlier this week.

On his return, the envoy had talks with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M Karunanidhi, and senior officials in his government.

He refused to disclose any details, except for mentioning the delivery of two more tape-recorded messages from Veerappan to Mr Karunanidhi.

Mr Gopal, editor of the Tamil-language magazine Nakeeran, has dealt with Veerappan before.

In 1997, he brokered an agreement to secure the release of nine kidnapped forest rangers.