The Native Rebellion in India.

Feilding Star, Volume XIX, Issue 82, 4 October 1897, Page 2

The Native Rebellion in India.

FURTHER FIGHTING.

LOSS OF SEVERAL BRITISH

OFFICERS

(Per Press Association.)

Calcutta, October 1

Tbe Ameer of Afghanistan is incensed at the Afridis for closing Khyber Pass, thus preventing trade between India aad Afghanistan. He is taking steps to stop the import of arms for the tribesmen, and has ordered the arrest of Afridi mollahs who appear in Kabul.

Different sections of tbe rebellious tribesmen have paid the British 85,000 rupees in fines,

Calcutta, October 2

The Ameer has forbidden tbe Afghans to join in the Jehad, or holy war, under a penalty of one thonsand rupees.

The Mobmands are surrendering tbeir breech-loaders.

The column under Colonel Jeffreys, who met with no oppoiition from the tribesmen, destroyed tbeir fortification and 12 villages. Next day a hot en> counter took place with a large force of tribesmen who were strongly posted in the Agrat and Ghat. The Guides stormed the left position of the enemy who, however, stubbornily defended themselves in the rocky country on the right and pourtd in a murderous fire upon the attacking column.

Colonel O'Brien, of the 31at Punjaub Regiment, and Lieutenant W. C. Browne Clayton, of the Ist Battalion West Kent Regiment, were killed. » The native's stronghold at Agrat wan burnt and the rebel position in Ghat partially destroyed. Colonel Jeffrey's column then retired.

During the fighting three British pri vates were killed, and three officers aud 15 privates wounded. Seven Sepoys were killed and 23 wounded.

The newspapers say it is absnrd to treat with the tribesmen until they have been thoroughly crushed.