THE INDIAN FRONTIER.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 9082, 6 May 1908, Page 5

THE INDIAN FRONTIER.

» SERIOUS STATE OF AFFAIRS. PRACTICALLY AT WAR WITH AFGHANISTAN. Received May 5, 8.10 a.m. LONDON, May 4. "The Times" says that an unofficial war with Afghanistan has baen practically proceeding since the attack on Landi Kotal. The enemy comprise militia levies, these being the first reserve of the regular army. All the stories about 'he Ameer's or Nasrullan's proclamations forbidding Afghans to undertake hostilities are absolutely false. Officials are known to have actively assisted the mullahs in an organised invasion of territory under British control. A prompt occupation of the Khaibar Pass will probably lead to the retirement of the Afghans, but there is no guarantee thar their tactics will not be repeated. EXCITEMENT AT SIMLA. Received May 5, 8.10 a.m. CALCUTTA, May 4. The military movements are severely censured at Simla. Many officers have been recalled from duty. The actual orders for operations are being kept secret, causing much excitement. MOHMANDS A NEGLIGIBLE QUANTITY. Receivpd May 5, 8.40 a.m. LONDON, May 4. The presence of General Wilcoeks at Landi Kotal indicates, in the onii - iun of "Tne limes," that the Mohmands are no longer the chief objects of anxiety. UNDISCIPLINED BANDS. BRUSH WITH THE ENEMY. AFGHANS PUT "TO FLIGHT. Received May 6, 12.48 a.m. CALCUTTA, May 5. > It is stated in Government circles that the Afghan invaders are undisciplined bands, and that there is no reason to suppose that they are acting with the Ameer's concurrence. The Zakka Khds express themselves as now reassured since Britain does not intend to annex a portion of their territory. Hence their loyalty to abide to the agreement come to with Britain. General Sir James Willeocks yesterday attacked the remnant of the Afghans on the hills .westward of Landi Kotal. The enemy were weak in numbers and offered only a slight resistance. The leader (lid on horseback early in the engagement, and the whole enemy were driven over the frontier.