PESHAWAR EXCITED

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 987, 2 June 1930, Page 11

PESHAWAR EXCITED

GUN ACCIDENT ROUSES MOB TO RIOTS SEVEN KILLED IN FIGHTS Reed. 9.5 a.m. DELHI, Sunday. While a lance-corporal was on duty at a gate in Peshawar, cleaning his rifle, it accidentally exploded, killing two children, and severely wounding their mother, who were passing by. The Chief Commissioner promptly placarded the city explaining the occurrence, expressing profound regret, and offering any reparation in his power. The affair caused much excitement. Large crowds gathered, and had to be dispersed by the police and military. The crowd attempted to snatch the rifles from the hands of one military patrol, who fired in self-defence. The official estimate of casualties is seven killed and nine wounded. GOVERNMENT ACTION Tho Government of India has inagurated more drastic remedies to meet the political situation in the country by the promulgation by the Viceroy, Lord Irwin, of new ordinances to protect shopkeepers from picketing, to stop the movement for the non-payment of taxes, and to deal with attempts to tamper with the loyalty of soldiers, policemen, and Government servants. These measures have been contemplated for some time, but have been delayed in order to give the members of the Indian National Congress an opportunity to cease their activities. The ordinances are to apply immediately to the Bombay Presidency, but may be extended to any part of India as needed.

It is likely that if these measures are not successful, the Government will declare the congress an unlawful body.