India.

Manawatu Herald, 31 August 1897, Page 2

India.

The latest despatches from the frontier state that the Afridis have effectually closed the Kbybtr Pass, the great northern military route from India to Afghanistan, and the Orakzais threaten isolated British posts at Durram. The Mohmands are reported to be planning the renewal of hostilities at Shabkadar, and another body oi Afridis is moving towards the villages to the southwest of Jamrud, the fort at the mouth of Khyber Pas?, which is strongly held. British detachments are watching the border defiles, their front extend" ing 35 miles from north to south, with a field telegraph connection and of right and left centres. The forces under Colonel Sir Binden Blood has arrived at Durikat, and will reconnoitre Earakar. The Times' correspondent states that the British troops coald easily re open the Khyber Pass but it would be unwise and would serve no good purpose. Afridia could temporarily retire upon Bazar. The war office has directed all the officers on leave from India to rejoin their regiments immediately. The Ameer, in a letter to the Indian Government, called on God to witness that he had not induced the tribesmen to rebel against the Empress of India. The Afridis in great force, assisted by a force of Ghazis, attacked Laudi Eotal, situated at the crest of the Khyber Pass, they then burned the fort, and are now reported to be dispersing, declaring their intention oi reassembling on September 15th, The information received by the Viceroy gives the reason for the tern porary dispersal, of the rebels as shortness of food supplies. Similar successes are reported from the north west frontier. The Eohat artillery shelled a force of Orakzais who were attacking Mahondea, a post in tho Üblan Pass, and the infantry afterwards stormed and captured the Orakzaiß* position, compelling their retirement. The western railway line, whicb traverses the Bolan Pass between Quetta and Gibi, has been cut in two places. A force of native infantry has been sent to defend the line. The presence of Colonel Blood's force at Malandri Pass greatly ex cited the Bunerwal tribe, who pre pared to defend the entrance (q tjjeii

' territory. Fapatic3 are urging them to attack the British force. The tipper Swat tribes have paid a fine of £20,000 imposed on them. The entire Swat Valley is reported to be quiet. Qaetta is asking for reinforce' meats. The uneasiness is Increasing there, as the forts are considered in* adequate and the garrisons are weak. The Orakaais have captured Port Gulistan, on the . duniana ridge, which divides the Kabul river valley from the Kuram river valley. The Indian Government, replying | to the Ameer's letter, has requested i him to Bpecifiooally answer certain questions and avoid dealing in generalities. Simla reports that the Govern* menfc is sending a large expedition against the Afridis.