ASIA.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 8, 22 February 1908, Page 8

ASIA.

INDIAN FRONTIER TRIBES. The Punitive Expedition. Two flying columns, with a brigade in reserve, is considered sufficient to make a demonstration. The force will be confined to the Bazaar Valley, where the Zukka Khels tribe is to winter. The “humanitarian” Liberals and the Irish Nationalists heckled Mr. John Morley (Secretary of State for India) with regard to the punitive expedition. Mr. Morley said that the expedition had been sanctioned owing to eleven raids and they must go forward with it now. The Paranioas and Zukka Khels tribes refuse to surrender the five outlaws or to accede to the other British demands. General Willcocks is trying to prevent the Zukkas from escaping to Afghanistan and will, therefore, penetrate into the Bazar Valley simultaneously by several routes. Major-General Willcocks, with 7000 troops, has left Alimasgid for the Zukka Khels country. MASTERLY STRATEGY. Major-General Willcocks is advancing with remarkable rapidity, and has already closed the northern end of the

passes commanding the Zakkas country. The Afridis tribesmen generally are quiet. The Zakkas are removing their women and children. The British force includes a battalion each of the Warwick, Seaforth, and Munsters. Encampments have been established at Alimasjul, Landikopal, and Landikhana. General Willeoeks’ expedition has entered the Bazar Valley, and the troops have not so far been molested. The spies state that the Zakkas are busily constructing sangars (defensive works) higher up the valley.