ARRESTS MADE IN KASHMIR

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 118, 23 May 1946, Page 5

ARRESTS MADE IN KASHMIR

CLASHES FOLLOW INCITEMENT OF CROWDS AGAINST RULER

Reed. 8.15 p.m. London, Mav 22. The State Government yesterday arrested all the leading members of the Kashmir National Conference (recognised as the people’s party in the State) and imposed a 15-day curfew in Srinagar, reports Reuter's. The arrested include Sheikh Mohamed Abdullah, president of the confcicnce, who is reported to be carrying on an agitation against the Treaty of Armitsar, whereby Kashmir was handed over to the present ruling family. Aruullah describes the treaty as illegal and demands that th? present ruler should quit Kashmir and hand it over to the people. The members of the Working Committee of the Conference also were arrested. Defiant crowds in Srinagar stoned n.l’ilary patrols, several members of which were injured. One patrol opened fire and one person is reported kited.

At some points crowds constructed barricades and attempted to destroy bridges, a number of which were damaged Military pickets are posted throughout the city, and all bridges, pest oilices and other public buildings are strongly guarded. Assemblies of more than three persons are forbidden. A Government communique confirms that Abdullah and a number of followers were arrested for making speeches inciting the people to destroy ine existing Government and repudiate allegiance to his Highness to force him to quit Kashmir. Throughout the country preparations were made for seizing power. His Highness, therefcie. had been compelled to take action for the maintenance of law and order. lhe correspondent says Abdullah, it is repotted, has appealed to the visiting British Cabinet Mission to abrogate the Amritsar Treaty.