THE INDIAN FRONTIER WAR.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 3264, 22 October 1897, Page 3

THE INDIAN FRONTIER WAR.

Ad BEAT FIOHT Ilf CHAGKU VALLEY. By Telegraph.—Press Assiciution. — Oovyright. CAhcniTA, October 20. I’ho tribesmen have ra-occupied the Clhagra Valley in' great force. Received October 21,10.30 p.rd. Calcutta, October 20. Further, particulars of the fighting in Chagru Valley show that BHgadierGoneral Biggs found 8000 Khals, Orakzais It ml Afridis occupying Hargai and thb bfUa i heights Commanding the Chagru Pass. Lioutenant-Colohel Dempter’s three Bikh batteries were massed lit Chagru; Kotar and Simana Kidge. The Sikhs supported tho Gourkhas • and the Doraetaliiro itegiment, who, in single file, climbed the mountain path, 1000 ft under the enemy’s fire, which temporarily checked the advance. The Gourkbas, who fired with great accuracy, were reserved until the men were exposed on the unsheltered zone. Three companies crossed this zone at a rush, losing heavily, while tho remaining forces intercepted a flank attack. Meanwhile the artillery fire from Fort Gulistan failing to dislodge the enemy, tho Gordon Highlanders essayed to cross the zone. Many fell, but under cover o£ the guns they ultimately succeeded in joining tho Gourkhas, the remainder of the foroo streaming after them. The Gordon Highlanders, with other companies, then seized the enemy’s position. Received October 21, 11 p.m. Calcutta, October 20. After Brigadier-General Biggs’ fotei had gained the enemy’s position, the tribesmen fled. The rebels are fortifying the position commanding tbs Sempajha Pass,