Amritsar.- He was an admitted professional killer. He was also high on the hit list of Sikh extremists fighting

for a separate State to be called Klialistan. For though he -was a Sikh, Santokh Singh Kala was a member of death squad that sought and gunned down “Khalistanis”.

“You may call it vendetta killing”, Kala told India Abroad in earthy Punjabi in an interview that took place

in the heart of Amritsar. “Or you might call me a mercenary”, he said.

He had a Thompson submachine gun in his hand while a .425 bore Spanish revolver was tucked into his denims. Wearing a peaked cap and dark glasses the bearded Kala

could have walked straight out a bad-guy role in a Hindi film thriller.

 Called the Red Brigade

 But Kala’s world, like that of about 50 mostly Sikh members of this deadly militia operating in and around this Sikh holy city, is far from make-believed. Called the Red

Brigade, Kala and his friends kill for money as well as to settle old scores.

“Our job is to kill Khalistanis”, he said matter-of-factly. And he claims to have accounted personally for at least 40 of them including top extremist leaders like self-

styled Lieut.Gen. Swaranjit Singh of the Bhindranwale Tiger Force.

Kala’s style of operation is simple. Through his network of informers he gets to know of extremist move-cents, operations and hideouts. “Then, plan out my action or the day, leaving the rest to my weapon,” he said, troking his gun, which once belonged to a Sikh extremist.

What does he do when he spots a Khalistani, “If he important enough we try to nab and interrogate him or 1st finish him on the spot,” “said Kala coldly. “Most of the time we grab their more sophisticated weapons as well.”

of surprisingly the extremist groups have put a huge price this head.

What made him take up this dangerous mission? Most his associates apparently had friends or close relations

ho had been killed by extremists for not toeing their line.

Ve are here to take revenge,” said Kala, and his partner, Tinder Pal Singh, nodded in assent.

 Help  From Police

 Kala admitted they got a lot of help from the police, money, ammunition and information. This was confirmed police sources who, while critically expressing ignorance, but the group, admitted privately that it had official assigns. (All militia members carry identity cards issued the police, who certify their guns and cars).

As informed sources told this reporter that the ice, had in fact released some hardcore criminals on parole,

armed them with sophisticated weapons and recruited them into the Red Brigade.

“They have been told that the State would help in avenging the deaths of their relatives or friends,” said the source. It suits both government and the criminals, the source added.

Kala said he had been introduced once to Punjab police chief Julio Ribeiro. “He asked us to keep up the good work,” Kala asserted.

– India Abroad Punjab

April I, 1988