THE INDIAN FRONTIER TROUBLE.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1354, 10 February 1898, Page 37

THE INDIAN FRONTIER TROUBLE.

Calcutta, February 1 The Englishman says it", has abandoned all hope of a settlement of the trouble with the rebellious Afridit without the British forces undertake a spring campaign. Calcutta, February 2 General Lockhart, who has returned on furlough from the command of the Indian frontier, stated, in the course of an interview, that a further campaign against the Afridis during the spring was essential. He expressed the belief that the Afridis would surrender on any fresh advauce being made. He added that the enormous difficulty of carrying on operations in the frontier country was inadequately understood. Calcutta, February 3. General Lockhart, who has commanded the operations on the frontier, is returning from Calcutta to Peshawur,,and will remain in India for another month before leaving on furlough.

| Colonel Mayne, of the King’s Own [ Scottish Borderers, who was despatched with j reinforcements to the Makrum district in j Beluchistan —the scene of the recent mas- ; sacre of a British surveying party—-has 1 routed the rebels under Khan Makoofi. The fighting lasted two hours, and the enemy lost 100 men, including Mehrab Khan, the leader of the rebellion, and other leading chiefs. Calcutta, February 4. The Afridis contemplate attacking the low-lying country of the Punjab. It is hoped, however, that the return of General Lockhart to Peshawar will have a restraining influence on the tribesmen.