We step out of the Pajeros. Nothing, no one impedes us. The surrounding houses are shrouded in silence and darkness. But we know which one he lives in. The big house. The walauwa. The family house. I’ve never seen the man before in all my life. That’s not important. His political career has been unimpeachable. A seasoned veteran campaigner, loyal and faithful to his own Party, the very Party which now wants him out of the way. He belongs to the village. Has worked tirelessly for his electorate all these years, never changed sides. Selfless man, they say. Never acquired wealth for himself. An old, well-established family. Why get rid of him? Aren’t men such as these valuable to the ‘side’? I’m told that the reason is that there’s a new man who has joined the Party, wants to oust him and contest this seat. He’s just returned from abroad, one of the western countries, is enormously wealthy and wants to be the political candidate for this area. Nilame won’t give in. Refuses. The man from the States has been lavish with gifts. Expensive gifts to all the important people. Mercedes Benz cars as birthday presents. Millions of rupees spent on election campaigning. There’s someone behind the scenes manipulating the whole affair. Well, the only way out is to just get rid of the big rock that impedes the oncomer’s path. It’s my job to do it. I’m confident in myself and my men. We’re well equipped. Have the necessary firearms. Machine guns. T 56s. We don’t use swords and other such primitive methods of disposal. No galkattas either. I pride myself on my efficiency, my lack of political scruples, my unemotional attitude towards my job. My men are well disciplined and tightlipped. They won’t give away secrets although they do not bite on cyanide capsules like ‘the others’.

We don’t knock on doors. We beat on the wood with the butt end of our weaponry. Naturally we find the front door looked and barred but there are other, easier entrances to walk through. My men get in first and open up the front door for me. That’s how I always walk in. No leader ever enters through any other way. I establish my authority in this manner.