HC Deb 06 April 1921 vol 140 cc245-7
12. Captain Viscount CURZON

asked the Secretary of State for India how many riots and disturbances have occurred in India since the 1st of March; what number of casualties have resulted to the civil population and to the servants of the Crown; how many of such outbreaks have been due to the influence of Gandhi or his policy; in cases where the outbreaks were not due to his influence or action, if he will state what causes they were due; and whether the rebels tried subsequently to take advantage of the situation.

Mr. MONTAGU

I have received reports of ten riots and disturbances during March. In six of them there were no casualties reported. In one tea garden riot some persons attacked were injured, not seriously; and in a faction fight in Southern India one person was killed. In the remaining two cases 13 rioters were killed and 25 wounded by police fire, and some police were injured, not seriously, the number not being given. It is very difficult to assign one definite cause, for there are usually contributing factors, but three of the disturbances were of the nature of labour troubles, and three of religious disputes; one arose from agrarian grievances and in one prisoners broke out from jail. The other two were brought on by a strong agitation against liquor shops, which is ascribed in part to a genuine temperance movement and in part to the general non co-operation programme. I have no doubt that attempts were made by ill-disposed persons to take advantage of the situation.

Sir C. YATE

Is it not a fact that most of these riots were owing to political agitators and the agitation got up by them?

Mr. MONTAGU

I do not think that my hon. and gallant Friend would ascribe the disturbances to anything but agrarian causes.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman get, or has he got any report on the shooting at Majpur that he can communicate to the House?

Mr. MONTAGU

I think—I speak from memory, because my hon. and gallant Friend has not given me notice of the question—that communiqués, based on every telegram I have received, have already been published; but if there is anything further, I will communicate with the hon. Member.

Sir C. YATE

Were not the Rae Bareli riots primarily due to political agitators?

Mr. MONTAGU

I think I am right in saying that the Rae Bareli riots were due entirely to agrarian causes.