THE INDIAN FRONTIER

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 228, 21 June 1921, Page 5

THE INDIAN FRONTIER

STIFF FIGHT WITH MAHSUDS SUFFERING CAUSED BY THE DROUGHT By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Delhi, June 17. There was a stiff fight fourteen miles west of Bannu, on tlio Tochi Road. An armoured car, returning from a reconnaissance, was attacked from a deserted village. Twb battalions were sent to give assistance, and forced the Mahsuds to retire, fighting stublxirnly, to tho south bank of the river. They suffered heavy losses. Our losses were thirteen killed and thirteen wounded. Peshawar reports that the Wana Wazirs are suffering badly from the drought. The Haji Abdul Razak lacks supplies of food and rations, and, consequently, the Wazirs are deserting him, and returning to British territory with the usual promise of good behaviour. Tho drought is causing the Afridis anxiety. They are supplicating Heaven for rain, employing the primitive method of preventing women from feeding their babies, hoping that the cries will cause Providence to pity them, nnd grant the prayers of the parents. Another method is for men to encircle their necks witli ropes, as a sign that they are slaves of God, and trust Him for their mainten-ance.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.