Fighting in Burmah.

Manawatu Herald, 28 May 1892, Page 2

Fighting in Burmah.

From English papers we learn the following particulars of the trouble in Burmah. A detailed account haa been received of the attack made on March 29th upon the force under the command of Mr H. N. Tuck, police magistrate for the Haka district in the Chin Hills. It seems that Mr Tuck's party were in need of transport coolies, and accordingly asked the Shurkwas to supply them. Munkon, Shurkwa chief, refused, but Mr Tuck pressed the matter, and negotiations were continued, For seven days the chief temporised, putting off the police magistrate with all sorts of excuses and devices, and at last Mr Tuck lost patience, and, accompanied by Mr Passingham and eighty rifles, entered Munkon's village with a view either to securing transport or securing the ohief. . The Chins became greatly excited on seeing the Sepoys in their village, and first insulted and then struck them. Matters, however, did not become serious until a number of Chins appeared armed with guns, with which they threatened the Sepoys. The British soldiers warned the people to desist, but the latter paid no attention, and levelled their guns at the British force. The se ■ poys were immediately ordered to get ready, and the command to fire was given. The two parties fired simultaneously. One of the sepoys was Killed and another wounded, but the loss of the Chins was severe — 34 were killed and one was wounded. Subsequently the Coolies were furnished by the adjacent villager, and Mr Tuck's party reached Haka on the 4th inst.