Indian Riots Spread

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 951, 19 April 1930, Page 9

Indian Riots Spread

POLICE FIRE INTO MOBS

Nine Wounded in Karachi

United P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright DELHI, Thursday. FIERCE rioting occurred at Karachi during the trial of the six Nationalists and leaders of the Congress who are charged with violation of the salt laws.

A mob of 10,000, the majority of whom were members of workers' unions, wrecked the court and then attacked the motor-cars and trams. They stoned the occupants, many of whom were injured. Baton charges proving futile, the police opened fire on the rioters. They wounded nine. one of whom was wounded fatally. The crowds were not dispersed until British troops had been called to restore order. A general strike of scavengers and dock workers has been proclaimed as a protest against the trial of the .leaders. The situation at Calcutta is now under control. Strong forces of armed and mounted police are patrolling the streets of the Indian quarter. The police at Poona were stoned by a crowd which demonstrated against the conviction of the Congress leader, Nehru. THE SIMON COMMISSION DOMINION STATUS FOR INDIA? LONDON, Thursday. It is understood that in view of the

situation in India the Simon Commission is expediting its report. This is most likely to be unanimous, thus enabling the political parties to unite in supporting the recommendations. On the motion for adjournment until April 29 being put in the House of Commons, Mr. A. Fenner Brockway, Labour member for Leyton East, urged the speeding up of the publication of the report and a declaration by the Government of its intention to carry out its policy of self-government and Dominion status for India. Commander J. M. Kenworthy, Labour member for Hull, said all -they could do at present was to support the Government in India. Steps had been taken to preserve the peace and they must not be stampeded into a panic. Mr. George Lansbury, in the absence of Mr. Wedgwood Benn, Secretary of State for India, at the Egyptian conference, said the situation in India was most difficult. Mr. Wedgwood Benn and the Viceroy would do their utmost to secure a settlement.