'Rajkumar release main aim'

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, OCT. 19. The Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr. S.M. Krishna, issued the following statement today in response to the observations of his Tamil Nadu counterpart, Mr. M. Karunanidhi.

``Right from day one, when Mr. Rajkumar was abducted, we have made it clear that we are depending heavily on the Tamil Nadu Government for the safe release of Mr. Rajkumar and other hostages. We are convinced that Mr. Karunanidhi and his Government are making sincere efforts and taking necessary steps to get the hostages released safely.

``A number of people from both Karnataka and outside have met me and offered help to get Mr. Rajkumar and other hostages released safely. In our anxiety to ensure the early and safe return of Mr. Rajkumar and other hostages, we considered it prudent not to come in the way of any initiative taken by Tamil Nadu Government in this regard.

``In a sensitive issue like the safe return of Mr. Rajkumar, I do not want to get bogged down by controversies by issuing statements and counter-statements as the principal aim of the two State Governments is to ensure the safe release of Mr. Rajkumar and others.''

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