THE CHITRAL WAR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XCIII, Issue 10626, 10 April 1895, Page 5

THE CHITRAL WAR.

A. LIVELY SKIRMISH.

[Special to Press Association.] CALCUTTA, April 8. The First and Second Brigades united at Aladand and captured Thana. TJmra’a cavalry and tribesmen resisted the passage of the Swat river, and after a lively skirmish a hundred of them were killed. Ohakrat was occupied. The attempts are being renewed to open communication between Qilgit and Chitral. The Third Brigade has reached Malakund Pass. The enemy, who numbered five thousand, remained at the other end of the valley, waiting for the British to advance. Twelve hundred took up a position on the hills and fired from the sides. The Sikhs clambered np the slopes and fiercely engaged them, while the guides and cavalry charged and dislodged the main body. The Bedfordshire Eegiment repulsed an attack directed upon the stores. The British loss is reported to be under twenty. . Four thousand men, led by Umra himself, were waiting at the Aladand fords in a strong position. Despite a constant fire from the heights the British troops crossed the fords with a brilliant dash, the Bengal Lancers being first over. Umra fled, pursued by the cavalry for nine miles. Thirteen Sepoys were wounded, at. the Swat River engagement.