The Manipur Disaster.

Thames Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 6894, 29 May 1891, Page 4

The Manipur Disaster.

The Manipur disaster has created a painful sensation in England. The London Mail refers to it as the most serious calamity that has befallen tbe British army in India since the battle of Maiwand. MaDipur is a small native State in Northeastern India, and lies between tbe Assam Valley on the north, Upper Burmah on tbe east and south, and tbe Chachar district on the west. It is, therefore, landlocked by British territory, and Great Britain claims a certain control over its politics, The Maharajah, who was a sincere friend of the English, had been driven out by a usurper, and Mr Quintoo, the distinguished Chief Commissioner for Assam, had been sent with a strong escort to restore bis authority. It was whilst attempting to do this that he was entrapped by the treacherous rebels, as described in pur recent cablegrams. The area of Manipur is only 8000 square miles, whilst the total population is only 221,070. The people, however, are determinedly brave, very war-like, very fierce, and exceedingly treacherous. The revenue is about £6000 a year. The military force is tt sort of militia, liable to be called out wben required, and jg believed to number about 7000, including artillery, cavalry, and irregulars. The arms used with such telling effect by the rebels against the British force were a present from Great Britain to the deposed ruler.