UNREST IN INDIA

Otago Witness, Issue 3574, 12 September 1922, Page 24

UNREST IN INDIA

SERIOUS RIOTS REPORTED. DELHI, September 4. Another conflict occurred between the police and the Akali Sikhs outside Amritsar. A Hindu magistrate ordered the Akalis to disperse; but they refused. The police were ordered to use their weapons, and many Akalis were injured. Serious riots took place at Multan between Hindus and Mohammedans in connection with a religious procession. Several lives are reported to be lost, many people injured, and great damage done to buildings by looting and arson. The military were requisitioned, but did not fire. The position has now become quiet. September 5. The situation at Amritsar is unchanged. Clashes between the rioters and the police continue, and large numbers have been wounded. Twenty Akalis were sentenced to heavy terms for attacking and injuring a head constable. A serious religious disturbance occurred at Telinpara (20 miles from Calcutta) in connection with the Muharram (New Year) festival. On Monday the Hindus and Mohammedans came into conflict, one person being 50 others suffered slight wounds. Twelve police were injured. There was much lootiqg and property was destroyed before the disturbances were quelled. The police and troops now- hold the district. September 8. In Mooltan the tension is still acute, but further trouble is not anticipated. The leading Hindus and Mohammedans are cooperating with the authorities to restore confidence to the masses. The police and the military are still occupying the city. The latest casualties are four killed, three missing, and 100 grievously hurt. % MR LLOYD GEORGE’S CIVIL SERVICE SPEECH. DELHI, September 8. The whole of the first day in the Legislative Assembly was devoted to a discussion on Mr Lloyd George’s speech on the Indian Civil Service. It is a long time since a Home speech so stirred the whole of India. The Indian members generally resented the description of the reforms as an experiment, also the Prime Minister’s threatening warning. A resolution was proposed that the Indian Government should send Home a strong Note of protest against Mr Lloyd George’s remarks. This, in effect, is a vote of censure on the British Government and Parliament, but prominent members of the House stigmatised the proposal as harmful, and as likely to alienate British opinion, consequently the resolution was negatived. A letter from Mr Hughes to Mr Sastri was read. It was received with satis faction and applause. MR SA-STRI’S MISSION. DELHI, September 5. The Viceroy (Lord Reading), in opening the Legislative session, alluded to Mr Sastri’s mission to the dominions. He said there was every reason to be gratified at the impression he had made and the reception extended to him. Mr Sastri already had been successful in obtaining the removal of some minor disabilities from the domiciled Indians, and his Excellency trusted he would be successful in regard to the larger questions, and that the friendly feeling towards India created by Mr Sastri's mission might conduce towards the realisation of India's reasonable expectations. The Indian Government had been and would be unremitting in urging the rights of overseas Indians throughout the Empire. Lord Reading added that there was no change of policy on the part of the Imperial Government towards India, hut recent events in India had had their effect on the British Parliament and people, and he appealed to the legislators to use their utmost influence with the masses. Their progress towards selfgovernment depended upon securing the good-will of the British Parliament.