10. Mr. HOPE SIMPSONasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether, in connection with the religious riot between Hindus and Mussulmans that took place at Amritsar on the 9th instant, he will say whether any, and, if so, how many, casualties occurred; whether it was necessary to call out troops to quell the riot; and whether any detailed report on the subject has been received from the Government of India?
§ Earl WINTERTONDetailed reports from the Government of India confirm generally the telegrams published in the Press as to the culmination in rioting on the 11th and 12th April, of tension which had existed between Hindus and Mahommedans at Amritsar. The local British garrison were called out to the satisfaction of the people of the city, and a section of armoured cars was despatched from Lahore, followed by a force of 100 cavalry. The number of casualties mentioned in the reports is 17 cases of injury, two being serious. An earlier statement that two deaths had occurred is now believed to be incorrect. The latest report of the Government of India, dated the 13th April, states that all was quiet since about midday of the 12th, and that the authorities are maintaining order.
§ Mr. J. HOPE SIMPSONCan the Noble Lord tell us the actual cause of the riot?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe cause of the riot is, I think, the same cause which has led to similar riots at Amritsar, namely, the extremely acute state of feeling between the people of these two religions.
§ Colonel Sir CHARLES YATEConsidering that British troops have to be called out to quell these religious riots between Hindus and Mahommedans, is not the proposed reduction of the British troops in India by 10,000 men a danger to the peace of India?