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Nedumaran relents

Shobha Warrier in Madras

Finally, P Nedumaran has said 'yes'. The Tamils National Movement leader, with Raghavendra Rajakumar and Shiv Rajakumar by his side, informed the press that he had reconsidered his decision and agreed to go again on a mission to the jungle on Saturday night.

This mission, the sixth to the jungles to rescue Kannada film icon Dr Rajakumar, who had been in forest brigand Veerappan's custody for more than 100 days, will constitute the same people who had gone the last time. Prof Kalyani, G Sukumaran and Nakkheeran editor R R Gopal will accompany Nedumaran.

Ever since Nedumaran withdrew from the mission, Rajakumar's sons have been visiting him almost every day, requesting him to reconsider his decision.

Nedumaran admitted that he could not say 'no' when requests came from all quarters, including the chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karantaka, Dr Ramadoss of the PMK, Sharad Yadav of the Janata Dal, Dr Krishnaswamy of the Puthiya Thamizhagam, Rajaram, R M Veerappan, cine actors Rajnikant and Ambareesh.

Nedumaran asserted that the Supreme Court verdict would not have any adverse effect on their mission. They once again requested the National Human Rights Commission to intervene in the cases of the Terrorists And Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act detenues, as they are going to move bail applications in the Mysore court.

Five extremists in Tamil Nadu jails had also agreed to come out on bail if their applications were accepted. These, according to Nedumaran, were good signs.

On whether he had received any signal from Veerappan, Nedumaran said, "It is not necessary to wait for any signal. We are starting immediately."

But he refused to divulge how he would establish contact with Veerappan. "I cannot disclose all that now."

Nedumaran stressed that he was not going as an emissary of the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments. "I am going solely on humanitarian grounds."

But he agreed that the latest mission would be 'tougher', adding that "nothing is impossible''.

He asserted, ''I am hopeful that I will be able to bring Rajakumar back this time. I am confident of convincing those who had abducted him."

The Rajakumar Abduction: complete coverage
The saga of Veerappan

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