No reports on the "Tiger Commando Force" could be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate.

However, sources do refer to the following Sikh groups in Punjab: a newly-formed organization in Punjab called the "Tigers of Sikh Land" (The Indian Express 18 July 1998), "Bhindrawale Tigers Force of Khalistan" (The Tribune 5 Nov. 1998; Mahmood 1996, index; Pettigrew 1995, 207), the "Black Panther Commando Force" (The Tribune 3 Nov. 1998), the "Khalistan Commando Force" (Middle East Intelligence 25 Jan. 1994; Mahmood 1996, index; Pettigrew 1995, 209).

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

The Indian Express [Mumbai/Bombay]. 18 July 1998. "New Tiger Group on the Prowl in Punjab; Six Members Held." [Internet] http://expressindia.com [Accessed 12 Jan. 1999]

Mahmood, Cynthia Keppley. 1996. Fighting for Faith and Nation: Dialogues with Sikh Militants. Philadelphia: Unviersity of Pennsylvania Press.

Middle East Intelligence. 25 January 1994. Barry Schweid, "ISI Arming, Training Rebels in North East." [Internet] http://www.prakash.org/issues/defence [Accessed 12 Jan. 1999]

Pettigrew, Joyce. 1995. The Sikhs of the Punjab: Unheard Voices of State and Guerrilla Violence. London: Zed Books Ltd.

The Tribune [Chandigarh]. 5 November 1998. "4 Held, 18 kg RDX Seized." [Internet] http://www.tribuneindia.com [Accessed 5 Nov. 1998]

_____. 3 November 1998. "Top Terrorist Arrested." [Internet] http://www.tribuneindia. com [Accessed 3 Nov. 1998]

Electronic sources: Internet, IRB Databases, NEXIS.