NATIVE RISING IN CHITRAL.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 10292, 26 April 1895, Page 2

NATIVE RISING IN CHITRAL.

REBELS FLED FROM THE TOWN. FORT LOST A THIRD OF ITS STRENGTH. ACCOUNT OF THE SIEGE. By Electric Telegraph— United Press Association Copyright — Received 2614195 — 12.30 p.m. ' Calcutta, April 25,— When Colonel Kelly reached Yogazo ot\ Friday, twelve miles from Chrital, Dr Robinson intimated that Kesigera had fled. ~ j The garrison of the fort has lost a third of its strength since the *iego began, 39 being killed and 62 wounded. Dr Robertson and Captain Campbell were both severely wounded. Lioutenant Gurdon is safe Tho highest praise is awarded Colonel Kelly for his brilliant march in the face of the greatest difficulties. Colonel Gateacre is now crossing the Lowari Pass ten thousand feet high. The Biege of Chitral began on March 4th, and ended on April 19th. Tho garrison had to subsist on very inferior food. Tho enemy's trenches were constructed up to within forty yards of the gate of j the fort. ' J Tho besiegers sat fire to the gun tower, and also endeavored to burn down the water tower, but in each case the flames were extinguished beforo they obtained a firm hold. Several sorties were made, and jn one of these the besieged recaptured tha' summer house and oxploded tho euemy'B mine. The enemy lost sixty men, thirty-five being bayonctted. Dr Robertson had 21 men killed and 28 wounded. After this reverse, Sher Afzul and Urara Khan retired to Brez, lower down the valley, and a number of hi» followers fled. Heavy losses occurred through some v.onderful shooting from the trenches around the fort. "When the party waa besieged, Dr Robertson arrested Amir ul Mulk for conspiracy with CJmra Khan to attack the British. Colonel Kelly reached Cbitral on April 20th.