Serious Rioting In Rangoon

Northern Advocate, 30 July 1938, Page 7

Serious Rioting In Rangoon

LONDON, July 28. Police and troops are attempting to evacuate Burmese 'from the Indian quarters of the city, says a message from Rangoon, and Indians from the Burmese part. Fighting has been renewed in the streets, despite the presence of patrols of Yorkshire Light Infantry and armoured cars. It is impossible to prevent swift stabs in the dark and looting, but banks and jewellers are heavily guarded. Police fired on the rioters and" wounded six. Troops here have been given instructions to shoot to kill in the riots, which are becoming increasingly grave. The fourth night of terror has been intensified by the knowledge that 48 dead and 350 injured have paid the penalty of rioting. Casualties are still mounting, because the streets are filled with armed Burmans and Indians, who spontaneously fight except when police patrols are passing. Terror-stricken Burmese and Indian women and children have now been evacuated from the danger areas, and are being sheltered near police stations. Police are also escorting bus loads of terror-stricken people from the danger zone. British troops, with drawn bayonets, protect all critical points. Rioting and murderous assault continue in the quarters which they left, despite strenuous efforts of the Britsih and native forces to suppress disorders.