INDIAN FRONTIER WAR

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 101, 23 January 1920, Page 7

INDIAN FRONTIER WAR

HOSTILITIES TO CONTINUE UNTIL FINES AND RIFLES PRODUCED TRIBESMEN'S FORCE DWINDLING (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright Bombay, January 2). The Deraj.it column arrived and encamped to-day without serious opposition at tlio Great Sorarogha. Plateau, about a mile west of Shilmanzai. The enemy confronting the column numbers about 200, and throughout the day harassed the 'picketing operations. There was persistent sniping all day and night. Some tribesmen handed in n number of tribal rifles at Jamdula, iwt there is not the slightest sign of peace here. There appears to be very little effort .ljpini* nuule by the Waziris to bring in the linos and rilles, and the tribe is evidently doubtful of our ability to enforce the terms. The Malisuds, who continue | to oppose our advance and snipe our pickets, have been informed that there will bo no cessation of hostilities until the fines and rilles had been produced. The opposing force has dwindled to 1000 men. Naikach village was completely destroyed, as the enemy there mutilated the body of one of our dead.—Beuter. A HEAVY - ENGAGEMENT ' MANY CASUALTIES ON BOTH SIDES , \ (Roc. January 22, 5.5 p.m.) Delhi, January 19. In a heavy frontier engagement, the British casualties totalled 360. The Derajat column, which is -advancing into the heart of the Mahsud country, was strongly opposed north of Ahuaidangi, whereupon heavy fighting at closo quarters occurred. Eight British officers were killed, six wounded, and one is missing. Six Indian officers wero killed and six wounded, and of. the other ranks 35 were killed, 278 wounded, and 40 are missing.

An aeroplane was shot down. Tho airmen arc safe.

The Malisuds' losses toi ailed at least 130 killed and 280 wounded.

Afterwards the recalcitrant leaders agreed that if tho advance were stopped they would comply with the terms. The Mowing day was p.uiet.—Router.