TRAGIC RIOTING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20107, 29 November 1939, Page 7

TRAGIC RIOTING

STRIFE IN SIND HINDUS AND MOSLEMS CLASH OVER MOSQUE TROOPS STAND BY PATROL WORK ONLY (Blue. Tol. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.50 p.m. RUGBY. Nov. 27. According to a statement on the recent Hindu-Moslem rioting at Sukkur in the province of Sind, made public by the India Office, the communal tension which existed for some time there had its origin in a group of old Government buildings known as the Manzilgah. These buildings were claimed by Moslems to be a mosque, a claim which the Hindus opposed. The local authorities decided to take possession of the Manzilgah and ejected Moslem volunteers who had occupied the buildings. This was effected by police with little trouble. There was no actual rioting at the Manzilgah and though the military were standing by, their assistance was not required.

The major trouble occurred in Sukkur city, after the occupation of the Manzilgah. There were communal riots in which 11 persons were killed and others injured. It was necessary to impose curfew, but after a calm night there was a renewal of lighting with further casualties between Hindus and Moslems on November 20. Considerable Improvement Measures taken by the local authorities and the arrival of additional troops resulted in a considerable improvement in the situation. Stray cases of assault and arson continued, but there was no massed conflict with the police. Troops were used only as patrols and did not come into conflict with the crowds.

“On November 22 the position in Sukkur and the neighbouring towns of Shikapur and Rohri was apparently stabilised, but a new problem was presented by reports of looting and murder of Hindus by organised gangs in the surrounding districts. Steps were accordingly taken to reinforce the troops at Sukkur with the object of maintaining peace in the three towns mentioned, thus setting free the police for action in the districts.

In addition to military reinforcements under a senior officer, the Premier and Home Minister of Sind left Karachi for Sukkur to get in touch with the zamindars —leading agriculturalists—and aid in restoring confidence.fl

Hitherto there have been no reports of trouble in other districts of the Sind and the latest report from Sukkur and the surrounding districts is more reassuring. There are, however, indications of attempts to damage the railway at certain points. Only trilling damage is reported, but vigilance is being maintained by the authorities.