INDIAN RIOTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24993, 13 August 1942, Page 5

INDIAN RIOTS

SERIOUS TURN IN BOMBAY POLICE FIRE ON CROWDS LONDON. Aug. 11. Twenty-eight people have been killed and 200 injured in rioting throughout India up to 4 o'clock this afternoon. The Governor of Bombay, Sir Roger Lumley. in a broadcast message, said: "I am going to maintain order at any cost. I now give a plain warning that troops and police have been ordered to take the strongest measures whereever necessary."

Further Government against rioting include the application of the Emergency Whipping Act. Rioting in the northern sector of Bombay city took a grave turn to-day. It is now unsafe for anyone to appear in this area wearing a Western hat or a necktie. The police opened fire on four places this morning. Troops on two occasions participated in firing on riotous crowds, but, as when the police were involved, only a few shots were fired each time. Troops patrolling in armoured cars discouraged demonstrators considerably in other cities. Reports indicate that Poona and Ahmadabad arc quiet.

Arrests Continue The arrests of prominent members of the Congress Party continue in various provinces. Allahabad has prohibited all processions and meetings for 10 days. The position in north Bombay became worse in the afternoon, with dislocation of the suburban rail services. A large crowd attacked the Matunga railway station, smashing indicators, invading the booking office, and pulling down ticket shelves. The crowd then broke into groups, smashing fire hydrants, fire alarms, and lamp posts. The Matunga post office has been closed after the cutting of the telegraph wire. Rioters also cut several gas mains. Bonfires in the streets were fed with trees uprooted from the street. Hats, neckties, and other articles of European clothing were snatched from passers-by, also copies of the Britishowned Times of India newspaper. Trading at Standstill There was no trading in any of the markets in Bombay to-day. Schools and colleges were closed or had very scanty attendances. Mobs of students demonstrated and are parading shops to prevent them from being reopened. The East India Cotton Association, the biggest cotton market in India, is closing until August 15. More mills have been closed in Bombay. Disturbances occurred in Delhi's busiest street this morning. The rioters, after setting fire to a fire engine and a lorry, attempted to set fire to the municipal hall. The police opened fire, killing one person and wounding another. British troops were called out and are now patrolling the area. MOBS IN NEW DELHI BUILDINGS DESTROYED BY FIRE (Rec. 11 p.m.) NEW DELHI. Aug. 12. It is officially reported that an angry crowd" killed a Moslem police subinspector near the railway clearing accounts office, which was burned out. The situation became ugly this morning owing to the activities of a large crowd of mill workers. The Town Hall was practically destroyed by fire. The income tax office was burned down, and many pillar boxes were uprooted.

Police and troops were frequently forced to open fire, and numerous mill workers and students were arrested. Strong military reinforcements have arrived, and troops are patrolling the streets. CONGRESS SPEAKERS VIOLENCE CONDEMNED LONDON. Aug. 11. . Congress speakers at a big meeting in New Delhi appealed for strict observance of non-violence. The Hindustan Times, which is edited by Mr Gandhi's son, condemns violence and says the Congress will not escape disgrace if violence continues. The Bombay correspondent of the British United Press says the trouble is spreading from North Bombay to more fashionable, areas. Stretcher parties have been active throughout the day, the casualties to-day being 16 kilted and over 30 injured. Armoured cars and lorries carrying troops armed with tommy-guns are patrolling the streets. Several hundred police have been brought in to reinforce the city force, which is normally 7000. Scores of unescorted women are calmly shopping in the European centre, only a few miles away. Students and workers roam the streets, shrieking defiance at the British. A violent mot) broke into six police posts at Poona last evening, smashing furniture and burning documents. The New Delhi correspondent of the Daily Express says most of the shops are barred, but many are trading from the back door. Officials do not think the trouble will become really serious.

SYMPATHY WITH INDIANS LONDON. Aug. 11. The Chungking correspondent of the Associated Press reports ~ that Sun-fo, President of the Legislative Yuan, said Chinese sympathy was entirely with the Indians. It is understood that the Chinese press to-morrow will proclaim its support for the Indian Congress Party leaders, and will urge the British to strive for a peaceful settlement. The correspondent said it was impossible to predict the effect of China's attitude on Anglo-Chinese relations, but Chinese official reaction was clearly crystallising in favour of India. The Indian problem is crucial for China because of the supply routes via India.