HOSTILE AFRIDIS’ RAIDS

Taranaki Daily News, 9 August 1930, Page 9

HOSTILE AFRIDIS’ RAIDS

INDIAN FRONTIER TROUBLE A ~ PLANE’S DESTRUCTIVE WORK DESCENT UPON PESHAWAR By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 5.5 p.m. Delhi, Aug. 7. For the second time in two months Peehauar is menaced by hostile tribesmen. All the British and Indian troops in the district have been mobilised. Afridis estimated to number 5000 have been observed proceeding through passes in the direction of Khajuri Plain. Six squadrons of aeroplanes have been dispatched to bomb the raiders. The machines, flying low, also macliincgunned them with deadly effect and drove them to the shelter of the rocks and eaves.

The opinion is expressed that it will be necessary to send an expedition across the border into the tribal territory in the autumn, -when there will be better weather, in order to deal finally with the malcontents. RAIDERS IGNORE WARNINGS. '“DISCOURAGING” BOMBS DROPPED British Wireless. Rugby, Aug. 7. After repeated warnings had been given them not to approach within a certain distance of Peshawar, a hostile body of Afridi tribesmen have been bombed by Royal Air Force machines stationed on the north-west frontier. The tribesmen were stirred up by unfriendly Mullahs and “Young Bloods” and a lashkar was formed estimated at 5000 strong. The tribesmen descended in small parties, generally at night, by unfrequented ways into the Bara Valley, north-west of Peshawar, and had arranged to concentrate on the Khajuri plain on Wednesday. Warning notices posted' along their route were ignored and reconnoitring aeroplanes were fired at. As a precaution the British outposts were strengthened, but before the meditated attack had materialised six squadrons, numbering approximately 50 machines, dropped bombs with the object of dispersing and discouraging the tribesmen.

It is believed that the operation had the. effect intended.

More Indian troops have been dispatched to Hiwwar, where savage fighting continues -between Hindus and Moslems. Nine more Hindus are reported to have been murdered by Moslem gangs who also looted several houses and shops.