A VOYAGE THAT CAUSED TROUBLE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2361, 18 January 1915, Page 6

A VOYAGE THAT CAUSED TROUBLE

HISTORY OF THE KOMAGATA MARU AFFAIR REPORT OP THE OFFICIAL INQUIRY By Meerapli-Preea Associetion-Oopyrielit Delhi, January 15. The report of the committee appointed to inquire into the .circumstances connected with the Komagata Maru's voyage, and subsequent riot when, the natives returned to Calcutta, has .been published. It finds • that the immigrants proceeded to Vancouver in the belief that they would be allowed to land. Though the,- leaders were aware of thelaw', they had deliberately misled the others. The committee was precluded ' from discussing the Canadian immigration law and the action of the Vancouver authorities. \. The report indicates that at various f stages of the return voyage successful efforts i were' made by revolutionary organisations outside India to promote .disaffection among the natives, many of whom were in a-dangerous state of mind on leaving Vancouver, and intended to cause, trouble in India on their return. ■On the arrival of the ship in the Hooghli River the emigrants were directed to proceed direct to their homes from Budge, an outlying station near Calcutta. The Indians refused, and a force of military and police induued them to return. While train arrangements were being ,made the'emigrants, without'cause, fired on the police escort. . ■-.'.. The report shows that the Indians had a number of weapons concealed, ready for 'immediate use. The troops then fired, 'killing. numbers and dispersing the rest, all of whom were subsequently) arrested. : J The committee commends the action.of the officers, and Bays the Bengal Government was justified in.prohibiting .the men entering Calcutta. . The Indian Government expresses satisfaction at the committee's report, and regrets that itß motives were misunderstood, and that unfortunate loss of life took place. It is not intended to proseoute the men who were released, save a ringleader, who is detained at present. y