THE SITUATION IN INDIA.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9817, 28 August 1897, Page 7

THE SITUATION IN INDIA.

THE KHYBER PASS CLOSED BY REBELS. ATTACKS ON FORTS. HAND TO HAND FIGHTING. OTHER REBEL SUCCESSES. DECLARATION OF LOYALTY BY THE AMEER. Vnaa Association—By Telostraph— Copyright. Calcutta, August 26. Latest despatches from the frontier state that the Afridis have effectually closed the Kbyber Pass, the great Northern route from India to Afghanistan. The Orakzais threaten the isolated British posts at Nurraui. The Mohmands are reported to be planning a renewal of hostilities at Shabkadar, and another body of Afridis is moving towards the villages to the southwest of Jacnrud, which is strongly held. British detachments are watching the Border defiles, their front extending thivty-five miles from north to south; field telegraphs connect the right and left centres.

A force under Colonel Blood, hag arrived at Durikot, and will reconnoitre at Earakar.

Communication on the PeshawurShabkadar road has been restored.

A battalion of British infautry is ready to move from Luoknow to the Punjaub, if required.

Quetta reports state that ono of the Belooehistan chiefs, who was arrested on suspicion of intriguing against British rule, has been released. The Ameer, in a letter to the Indian Government, called on God to witness that he had not induced the tribesmen to rebel against the Empress of India. August 27.' The majority of the garrison from Fort AH Musjid have arrived at Jamrud, at the south end of the Khyber Pass, bringing their arms with them. The telegraph wire to Jfaraohma* has been cut in two places. The Afridis in great force, assisted by a force of Ghaxsis, attacked Laudi Kotal, situated at the crest of Kyber Pasa, on Tuesday last. The garrison there consisted of 850 Kyber Pass Rifles, composed of the surrounding tribesmen, and 160 other tribesmen. They bravely held the fort until Wednesday morning, when the enemy effected an entrance. A desperate hand to hand encounter then ensued, lasting two hours. The losses on both sides are unknown. The Afridis then burned the fort and are now reported to be dispersingi declaring their intention of re-as-sembling on September 15th.

Information received by the Viceroy gives as the reason for the temporary dispersal of the rebels their shortness of food supplies.

Similar successes are reported from the north-west frontier.

The Times , Simla correspondent states that so sudden was the attack that it was impossible to send a force equipped and provisioned into the Pass. The only way to prevent a recurrence will be to attack the Afridie in their stronghold at Tirah Pass. Cabul, August 26. The Ameer of Afghanistan held a durbar, or reception of the native princes, at which he solemnly swore that he had always maintained friendly relations with Great Britain.. London, August 26. The Times , correspondent states thai the British troops could easily re-open the Khyber Pass, but it would be unwise and serve no good purpose. The Afridis could temporarily retire upon Bazar.

The War Office has directed all officers on leave from India to rejoin their regiments immediately.