TN to release five prisoners

Meanwhile, in a new twist to the crisis, Veerappan today came out with fresh demands, including reference of Cauvery water dispute to the International Court of Justice ICJ, and set a deadline of Aug 19 for meeting them. Karunanidhi said journalist-emissary R.R. Gopal, who brought with him the latest set of demands from the brigand, would carry the governments8217; response to Veerappan shortly.

He rejected the demand for reference of Cauvery dispute to ICJ saying it was not possible while Tamil Nadu would consider the other demand for introduction of Tamil as the medium of instruction upto tenth standard in the state.

As the crisis entered the 13th day, Gopal, who returned to Chennai from the jungles in Sathyamangalam ranges after meeting Veerappan and the hostages, told a press conference that the brigand had not sought either amnesty or ransom.