Aug. 4 :     Veerappan has fired the first salvo in the psychological war by getting Raj Kumar to issue an audio appeal to 'meet all his demands at the earliest and give him a chance to live like a human being'. An audio-cassette carrying his message in Kannada reached the Tamil Nadu government through a reporter based in Pondicherry. The eight-minute tape, handed over Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi and the copies made available to Karnataka's S.M. Krishna and the actor's family, heaps praise on Veerappan for 'taking good care of us and giving no room for any kind of anxiety'. Raj Kumar's wife Parvathamma and sons Shivaraj Kumar and Raghavendra confirmed that it was indeed the thespian's voice. Apparently displaying signs of the Stockholm syndrome, Raj Kumar repeatedly is heard saying that he could appreciate the justness of Veerappan's demands and the earlier they are dealt with favourably, the better. The Kannada icon, in his fifth day in captivity, said he decided to issue an appeal after hearing over radio that there was tension in Karnataka. 'There are Tamils, Telugus and others living in Karnataka. Nothing should be done to harm them,' he added. He said his kidnapping was an 'accident'. 'It has been a new experience living with these people. Perhaps I needed it. They have looked after us very well, meeting all our needs like brothers. I'm surprised at the intimacy we have developed.' Raj Kumar reiterated that people should not resort to any sort of violence like burning buses or ill-treating Tamils because he was in Veerappan's custody. He said he had been told by Veerappan that 'central forces are gearing up to surround us. But if anything like that happens, it will be disastrous for all of us. Veerappan says his gang is experienced enough to meet such an eventuality, but we will be in trouble'. Krishna thanked Veerappan for ensuring Raj Kumar's safety and said his government would have an open mind on the demands. Reacting cautiously to Raj Kumar's plea to meet Veerappan's 'request' expeditiously, Krishna said he was awaiting emissary R. Gopal's return with the specific demands. He reiterated that the government was not contemplating any police action to rescue Raj Kumar as it would only complicate matters. Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are waiting for Gopal's return and 'if necessary, I will discuss with Karunanidhi the demands of Veerappan,' he added. That the tape has been forwarded to the government bypassing Gopal, the designated emissary, indicates that the Nakkeeran editor has fallen out of favour with the bandit. The cassette was delivered to a reporter in Pondicherry, Dharamaraj. He is said to be a loyalist of Pattali Makkal Katchi leader S. Ramados.