REVOLT IN INDIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1921, Page 5

REVOLT IN INDIA.

SERIOUS REBELLION. DANGER OF SPREADING. ACTION AGAINST FANATICS. By Telegraph.—Frets Assn —Copyright. Received August 27, 5.5 p.m. London, August 26. The Australian Press Association learns that the serious nature of the Moplah rebellion, and the possibilities of its spread to other areas is fully realised at Whitehall. Mr. Montagu (Secretary for India) has now decided to take action against certain of the most prominent agitators hitherto abusing the license accorded them. Whitehall is confident regarding the effectiveness of the military measures taken against the Moplahs, but it is pointed out that large casualties amongst the rebels are to be apprehended, owing to the size of the marauding bands and the fanatical character of the Moplahs, who invariably prefer death to surrender.

It is anticipated that preventive action against the agitators will be likely to produce further explosions, but the authorities are fully prepared for this eventuality.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

RIOTERS LOOT TREASURY. MOTOR ’BUS DRIVER MURDERED. Receive<l August 27, 5.5 p.m. Delhi, August 26. It ifl reported that the Calicut rioters entered the Treasury and looted it. It is understood it contained nearly six lakhs □i rupees. The Moplahs also released the prisoners waiting trial in the local gaol, of whom two and the warders were forcibly converted to Mohammedanism. Two British soldiers confined at Tirur reached Calicut safely. The Moplahs attacked a motor ’bus returning to Calicut from the disturbed drea and murdered the driver and cleaner, and then set fire to the '. ehicle. Advices from Madras report that the Government communique of the 26th states that road and railway repairs in the Calicut district proceed most .satisfactorily, and that a relief column is advancing to Malapuram, while the concentration of the necessary troops has been completed, and the area occupied by the military. The Asiatic steamer Nawab is expected to arrive at Calicut from Bombay on the 2Sth with ample supplies. The district manager at Calicut reports that- Dacoitish bands have entered the district. —Reuter Service.

MORE DISTURBANCES. A CROWD FIRED ON. Delhi, August 25. In connection with the Moplah disturbances the Malabar district h&3 been proclaimed a military area. The magistrate, Mr. Batty, and an armed force, when proceeding to Patiandi, met a crowd of Moplahs, whom they warned to keep ou the railway, under penalty of shooting. The crowd continued to advance, whereupon orders were ghen to fire the Lewis guns. The casualties are unknown, but it is believed they were heavy. Mr. Batty’s fore* returned to Shoranus and later proceeded to Cota param, where the Mop’ahs threatened to attack yesterday. The Moplahs attacked the Cher apoh chery police station, destroyed the records, burned the sub-treasury at Periatalamanua and looted £BOOO.

Other similar outrages have occurred elsewhere. The population is not molested, but consternation prevails.

TROUBLE SPREADING. REINFORCING THE TROOPS. Received August 28. 5.5 p.m. Delhi, August 27. The area, of the Moplah rebellion is increasing. Troops are being concentrated at the Calicut barracks, and reinforcements of cavalry and infantry are steadily arriving from Bangalore. Karur. where a number of Europeans were isolated, has been relieved. A detachment is proceeding to the relief of M&lapuram, where the rebels are in force. The railway thence is being repaired, and troops are concentrating in the district. The Government has published a new martial law ordinance strengthening the powers of senior military officers and the jurisdiction of prilitary courts. It is reported that the rebels murdered another officer of the Leinster regiment. The houses of Hindus generally are being plundered, and the inmates murdered. The rebels secured more arms during raids on police ata-