By M. Gautham Machaiah Terrorism is virtually unknown in the South. But it might not be so for long, if the governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka continue with their soft approach towards forest brigand Veerappan. With Veerappan kidnapping popular Kannada actor Rajkumar, both the governments are literally on their knees, waiting for the smuggler to bark out his next demand. Never perhaps in history, has any government consented to drop cases against about 125 people accused of heinous crimes. If left unchecked, Veerappan could become another Bhindranwale or Pirabhakaran. Until now, he killed or kidnapped people to satisfy his own ego. To humiliate the police of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. To wreak vengeance. Now, he is doing it for a cause. The Tamil cause. ‘Championing’ a cause This petty poacher turned dreaded smuggler has emerged as the champion of the Tamil cause. In the past, his demands always pertained to himself — either payment of ransom or release of his aides. But this time, most of the demands concern Tamil Nadu and Tamils. Veerappan has demanded not only the release of his men, but also those of the Tamil Nadu Liberation Army (TNLA) who are charged with serious offences like murder. This is a clear indication that Veerappan is not just playing to the tune of the TNLA, but could also be a pawn in its hands. The TNLA has made no secret of its intention to carve out a separate country out of Tamil Nadu. Veerappan’s territory is safe haven There could be no safer haven than Veerappan territory, for them to consolidate themselves. Veerappan operates in dense forests spread across an area of 18,000 sq km. After all, it is in the forests that Pirabhakaran raised the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). A TNLA activist has already gone on record that he has received training from the LTTE. So the next logical corollary would be some sort of an alliance between LTTE and Veerappan, via TNLA. From poacher to terrorist If this happens, the country will see Veerappan in a new avatar as an AK-47 wielding terrorist. Not the poacher with a .303 rifle. Not the bandit who kills to seek revenge. But an extremist who will re-create Kashmir in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. A self-professed Tamil lover who will bring the horrors of terrorism to the South. Veerappan shot dead an elephant when he was barely 13 years old. He then graduated to timber smuggling and human killings. Yet, the law enforcing authorities considered him small fry. But Veerappan grew to become one of India’s most dreaded outlaws, killing 2,000 elephants and over 125 people. He has not only succeeded in evading the combined strength of two states, but also the Border Security Force (BSF). The governments are now paying the price for their laxity. There will be more demands The Veerappan menace is not going to end with the release of the prisoners. Rajkumar might be released, but a new drama will unfold in a few months. Once again there will be fresh kidnappings and more demands. This is the way he operates. As usual, the governments are likely to slip into complacence once Rajkumar is released. That is something which has frightening prospects. The governments should now act with renewed determination and end this menace called Veerappan once and for all. And if the governments continue their lackadaisical approach they will soon have to deal with a new Veerappan. Not Veerappan the petty poacher with muzzle loading guns, but Veerappan the terrorist with RDX. It is easier to swat a fly, than tackle a dragon.