NATIVE REVOLT IN BURMA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 18762, 29 December 1930, Page 9

NATIVE REVOLT IN BURMA.

Organised On Large Scale. SINISTER ASPECTS OF OUTBREAK United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received December 28, 7.15 p.m.) DELHI, December 27. Further details regarding the Burma disturbance reveal that the revolt was organised on a large scale. The rebels, a thousand strong, were dressed in a dark uniform, and blue shirt with cross. They were well armed, and show evidence of discipline in their clashes with the troops and police. They carried out the murders with the greatest ferocity. Their headquarters are believed to be in the heart of the jungle. It is estimated that they lost 1200 killed and wounded. The cause of the revolt is uncertain, but it is suggested that the rebels are bands of workless, due to the low price of rice, and who are out for loot. A full battalion of Burma rifles has been sent to Irrawaddy, where dissatisfaction is prevalent. Several towns and villages have formed. civil guards to assist the military and police. The rebels are using motor-’buses to convey men to the places attacked. Other Posts Attacked. Captain Rust, who led the police in the clash with the Burmese rebels, was injured. The military police post at Yodaik was also attacked, but the rebels were repulsed. A police officer and another official are missing here. An engagement at Irsen is said to have cost the police more casualties. [Burma, the land of peacocks and golden pagodas, is once again in a state of panic. On Christmas Day, gangs of several hundred Burmans attacked the police at a village near Irrawaddy, and killed two headmen and a Government forest ranger. They robbed them of their firearms, and the military police hurried to the scene. A regular battle ensued. The rioters fired on the police, wounding five, and the police returned the fire till their ammunition was exhausted, then they retreated. It is believed that several rioters are dead. Next day the rioters attacked a village a few miles from Rangoon and killed the headman and stole his gun. They then set fire to the station master’s house and looted the station. The police failed to intercept the rioters, the main body of whom is now retreating to the forests. Mounted police are searching for them. The trouble came as an entire surprise to the Government, for this district has been free from political trouble]. Grave Situation. Grave developments followed the outbreak of rioting in the Irrawaddy district in Burma, and the news reaching Rangoon proves that the insurgents have become daring. Mr H. Fields Clarke, forest engineer, was murdered by rebels, who attacked his bungalow, firing it. A company of the Buffs regiment has been rushei from Rangoon to join the Indian in: y and military police. The insurgents were driven into the jungle after a stubborn fight. The rebels, who are well armed, are adopting guerrilla warfare, rendering the task of the troops more difficult.