HUMAN SACRIFICES.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 2649, 18 May 1923, Page 8

HUMAN SACRIFICES.

HIDEOUS PRACTICES IX INDIA. LAHORE, March 20. An interesting- account is published of the Government's efforts to put a stop to slavery and human sacrifices in Naga Hills, on the north-west frontier of Burma. It is officially estimated that there are 270 slaves, the majority of whom have been enticed away by promises of lucrative work, and then sold into slavery, or have kidnapped. A Government survey party managed to arrange the release of several of these slaves; also one or two earmarked for sacrifice. Investigations show that human sacrifice is much more common than has hitherto been supposed. There arc never less than six to ten yearly, and when funds are plentiful, betw r een twenty and

thrifty, Indian hoys and girls kidnapped from Assab arc the most common victims, but any available slaves are also slaughtered. The report says: "The only solution of the problem is direct administration of the trusts where the hideous practices prevail. It is unthinkable that these human sacrifices should be allowed to continue with the full knowledge of the Government officers. Unfortunately any attempt to redeem the slaves intended for sacrifice helps to form a vicious circle, in which a fantastic price is charged for the, victim saved, and the money is hoarded for a greater and more expensive sacrifice later.”

Kaga Hills form a mountainous district of the south-eastern extremity of Assam, with an area of 5710 square miles, and a population of 100,000 aboriginals, Nagas and other semi-sav-ages.