UNREST IN INDIA

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 76, 23 December 1919, Page 7

UNREST IN INDIA

MOB TAKES CHARGE OF LAHORE SALUTARY EFFECT OF STERN MEASURES (By Telegraph-Prosa Association-Copyright London, December 19. Striking details of the disaffection in tho Punjab have been published. Tlio principal reasons for the political agitation are the high ■prices, tho Mohammedan unrest, public (loggings, and the long intervals between the arrest- and trial of agitators, hundreds of whom aro iu gaol. Shootings have occurcd at many places. There was a specially severe disturbance in Lahore; where tho mob took charge of the city, and tho Europeans were with difficulty evacuated. Evcntually the 43rd Brigade, supported by i four aeronlancs. two of which carried bombs, retook tho city. The temper of tlio crowd is sullen and savage. Commissioners and military commanders have reported that the shooting of Dyer at Amritsnr had'an instantaneous effect, and the disaffection is rapidly declining. Officials admit that quasi-public . floggings have been numerous. They admit that a priest at iv wedding party was flogged because the gathering numbered more than the ten p. rmissible under martial law; The Mngistrato was dis-missed—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

FIGHTING ON THE FRONTIER IMPORTANT POSITIONS CAPTURED. (Rcc. December 23, 0.30 a.m.) Bombay, December 20. Yesterday and to-day a battle is progressing for the nos-scssion of the socalled Sandbag Hill and ridges, which form an important strategic feature. Their possession is necessary to render tho Derajat column's further progress in the enemy country safe. Tho enemy resisted most stubbornly. We captured Sandbag Hill with the first ridge yesterday, after a fierce light lasting several hours, but a determined enemy counterattack, in which our casualties we.ro somewhat severe, forced our troops to retire. To-day the work of clearing the ridge has been resumed, and the previous day's objectives were gained in two bom's. Despite a tenacious resistance we moved on against the further ridge, with a difficult and dangerous nullah on the near side. After a high explosive and shrapnel preparation, with invaluable assistance from the air force, wo gained the ridge. A general advance consolidated the position and followed the enemy, who must have suffered severely. His troops were compelled to flee in all directions.—Reuter.