BOMBAY RIOTS

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXVIII, Issue 128, 25 May 1932, Page 5

BOMBAY RIOTS

SITUATION IMPROVES STATEMENT IN COMMONS RUGBY, May 23. The situation in Bombay is so well in hand that all auxiliary forces have been disembodied and a withdrawal begun of military pickets. Further sporadic outbreaks are still possible, as the communal feeling, which always runs high in Bombay, is aggravated by a continuance of political tension and the embitterment caused by economic conditions. But although the position cannot be regarded as absolutely stable there are signs of a return to normal conditions, and the millhands show an increasing tendency to return' to work. Surprise Attacks. In the House of Comomns to-day Sir Samuel Hoare, Secretary for India, said that the rioting was not organised and did not take the form of clashes between considerable bodies, but consisted of surprise attacks on temples, mosques, or shops, and murderous attacks .by gangs of both communities. The casualties were mostly inflicted in iso-, lated encounters, many being stabbing cases, and gangs dispersed rapidly on the approach of patrols, who found the streets empty on their arrival. The curfew order and the order prohibiting assemblies, together with the establishment of military and police posts, prevented. the formation of large bodies, and the combing out by the police force and military of bad characters, who have been placed in an emergency gaol, stopped the looting and incendiarism. Total Casualties. By the end of last week the casualties numbered 130 dead and 1640 injured. In the mill area where serious trouble threatened, pickets and patrols prevented large clashes, and the mill operatives, who had ceased work at 49 mills on Thursday, began to return, ,so that on Saturday only 14 were closed. The position has continued to improve, but the Bombay Government will not relax intensive precautions until order is completely re-established. Congress Volunteers. „ Asked whether Congress volunteers* who claimed to control the Hindu popiylation, had actively supported the .Gow 3 ernment in restoring law and order, Sir Samuel Hoare replied that soJfcß, from being a help they had been, in certain cases, a public, danger and,, jn all cases a public nuisance. \ .•>