India.

Manawatu Herald, 28 September 1897, Page 2

India.

-+ : The column under Colonel Jeffreys haa punished the tribesmen at Yagaderai, where the British were attacked on the 16 mat. Oolonel Jeffreys captured Zagai after a sharp fight, and destroyed Umbra Khan's fort. Thirteen of the British force, in eluding three officers, were wounded. The enemy were well armed. Four thousand tribesmen sur rounded Oolonel Blood's camp on Monday night. The enemy madr frequent and determined ruche* close to the British guns. As it was pitch dark, star shells were exploded, and these proved of great assistance to the British. TfcK> tribesmen were afraid of the shells. believing they contained an intoxicating gas. Eventually the enemy were repulsed with enormous loss after five hours' fighting. Major D^sitoßux's gallant defrncr of Fort Gulistan against the de I operate attacks of the rebels is much applauded. Brigadier G^noral Elles has captured Bedamai Pass. I * The details of the capture of the

Bedmanai Pass by the force under General Eiles show that the 20th Regiment of Punjab Infantry, including two companies of Afridi troops, stormed the pass, and occupied the village beyond it after * stiff fight. The Mollah Suffi, with 5000 followers, has reid forced the Mollah HadaVs tribesmen at jarobi. Further details of the capture of Bedmanai Pass by the force under General Biles, show that the tribes* men refused to face the bayonets, but stubbornly held the pass for four hours against the attacking columns, until they were demoralised by shells from the Maxim gun?. 1 The Mollah Suffi, who with 2000 of hU followers reinforced ihe Moliah Haddi, in order to strengthen the courage of his adherents and remove he fears of the Ghalghais tribesmen, many believing that they would be killed, promised that Allah would close the muzzles of their opponents* guns.