INDIAN POSITION

Hokitika Guardian, 1 July 1930, Page 5

INDIAN POSITION

A WEEKLY REPORT

(Official Wireless.)

(Received this day at 12.25. p.m.) RUGBY, June 30.

The weekly appreciation of the situation in India to 28th. June, issued by the Indian Government, states that in the north-west frontier province, the tribal’ situation generally shows a marked improvement- and the strong action which ended in the dispersal of Omnankhel Lashkar has had a gooii effect on tribes generally.

In Dir and Stoat all continues normal. In other parts of Mnlakaml Agency of responsible tribal elders are Doginning to regain control over the unruly element and are co-operating with the political authorities in maintaining order. On 23rd. June, a fourth attempt was made to persuade Haji of Turangqai by peaceful metuods, to withdraw his following from the Northern border of Peshawar district, and air action was .suspended. Jirga of Molimand eiders from British territory went out to discuss matters with him, taking with them the Deputy Commissioner’s l‘eply to their petition, to the effect tnat the Government was not interfering with the religious affairs of Moslems and that Abdul Ghaffar Khan of Utmaflzai was undergoing imprisonment because he luid refused to give security. On this occasion the persuasions of the Jirga met with success. Haji’s following has j now completely dispersed and the leaders have gone to their homes.

Judging from past experience however, of Haji, it would he unwise to assume his activities are over. He is still in communication with Afridis and other tribes and would no doubt readily resume hostilities, if ho could get 1 a sufficient following. It is clear that unruly, hostile elements are still strong.

On 22nd. June a gang of 60 Zakka Lhel attacked the Afridi village of Akbargura, 10 miles east off Peshawar, and other' gangs are known "to be mobing about in Orakzai country. In Wazaristan, as the result of an air action taken against the village of Sultana, Lashkars which hostiles were endeavouring to assemble have broken up, and the leading hostiles have left Mahsud country. The internal situation is greatly improvedj and respect for law and order is gradually being- restored throughout Peshawar district.

A small military column touring in Swabi_ Tahsil had a friendly reception from many villages previously disaffected. Troops have been withdrawn from indst villages previously disaffected,

Troops have been withdrawn froiii most villages in Charsadda area,- ancl tlie inhabitants are co-operating in the restoration of order.

The situation in other parts of India shows no great change. In Bombay City the police on several occasions have had to disperse very large processions of demonstrators which have been attempted in the deliberate divergence of orders under the law, and this lias given rise to considerable bitterness.

In Madras there has been a small clash in the rural district between a mob 'and police, and Congress activities are reported to be vigorous in certain districts.

Elsewhere in the province, the situation appears to have improved. There has been a little trouble in one or two villages in Punjab, but prompt preventive action has been taken. Activities designed to seduce troops and police from their loyalty continues to be prosecuted with rigour, and it appears they are now given a very prominent place in the Congress pro-

gramme. Another form which this movement takes, is the holding of meetings and demonstrations in sympathy with and praise of the men of Gar Hawaii Regiment, who were found guilty of mutiny. Latest reports confirm that Mullahs and young bloods decided on Lriday to raise a Lasbkar leaving Bogs on 2nd. uuly so as to arrive at Kajuri Plain on sth. The Khalifat party among the Afndis is now estimated variously at 500 to 1000. Among young bloods they still profess to intend to hold the conference with Klialifatists and otner Pesliawarists too, after they have reached Laguri. Messages containing preliminary warnings have been issued to Afridi sections regarding the Government s intention to take all necessary'action unless the tribe abandons, its intenjiim to organise Lashkars against British territory.