THE INDIAN FRONTIER

Evening Star, Issue 12943, 5 May 1908, Page 6

THE INDIAN FRONTIER

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright GREAT INFLUX OF AFGHANS. 20,000 CROSS THE BORDER. HEAVY FIGHTING REPORTED. LONDON, May 4. The unprecedented abstention of the Afridis, despite the great pressure exerted on them to again revolt, is regarded as the most satisfactory feature of the present crisis. The Cabul Government are still supine, making no effort to check the fanatical hordes which marched by the main routes to Landikotal and the Bizaar Valley. ‘The Times’s’ military correspondent writes that the question arises whether the Ameer’s inability or unwillingness to prevent a repetition of the inroads would justify the military occupation of the advanced strategical positions, thus effectively securing the safety of the Khaibar. Two British soldiers were wounded during the sniping at Jamrod. Barrett’s brigadedias arrived at Alimasjid. Reuter’s Simla correspondent reported on Sunday .that an Afghan body, numbering from 13,000 to 20,000, crossed the border on Friday night, and divided, the larger and better armed portion going to Landikotal, and the other portion (under Sufi Sahib) going to the Upper Bizaar Valley. On Saturday night the enemy made determined efforts to capture the Michni Randach blockhouse. Heavy fighting took place till the morning. A detachment of the Khaibar Rifles, under Subadar Khan, repelled the enemy, and inflicted some loss. They also prevented the capture of the caravanserai. The Afghans then withdrew south via the Landikhana road. The Zakka Khel elders came to Landikotal and- offered their services to Colonel Ross Keppel. They report that no Afridis were with Sufi. Major-general Willcocks is now at Landikotal, with Ramsay’s brigade from Jamrud, besides eight guns and a squadron of cavalry. ‘ The Times ’ and ‘ Morning Post ’ still hope that the Ameer will imitate the example set by his father in 1897. Meanwhile the Mohmands and the Pathans have withdrawn from the' Mohmand country, and have deflected to meet emergencies at Khaibar. A FORWARD MOVE. LONDON, May 4. (Received May 5, at 8.42 a.m.) ‘The Times’ says that fact that Majorgeneral Willcocks is present at Landikotal indicates that the Mohmands are no longer the chief objects of his anxiety. MYSTERIOUS PROCEEDINGS. MUCH EXCITEMENT. CALCUTTA, May 4. (Received May 5, at 8.10 a.m.) The forward military movement is severely censured at Simla. Many officers have been recalled from furlough. The actual orders for operations are being kept secret. This is causing much excitement. AT WAR WITH AFGHANISTAN. KHAIBAR PASS TO BE OCCUPIED. LONDON, May 4. ‘The Times’ says that an unofficial war with Afghanistan has been practically proceeding since the attack on Landikotal. The enemy comprise the militia levies, which are the first reserve of the regular army. All the stories about the Ameer or Nasrullah Khan (a brother of the Ameer) issuing proclamations forbidding the 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. The prompt ocupation of the Khaibar Pass will probably lead to the retirement of the Afghans, but there is no guarantee that their tactics will not be repeated.