HC Deb 02 August 1923 vol 167 cc1713-4
67. Sir C. YATE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India what is the present condition of affairs as regards the Sikh situation in the Punjab; and whether, considering that the religious movement has now developed into a political movement, what action has been taken against the agitators and revolutionaries who are directing the latter?

Earl WINTERTON

A new Prabandhak Committee has recently been elected. It is understood that extremists predominate upon it, but its first meeting has not yet been held. The recent abdication of the Maharaja of Nabha has caused excitement among a certain number of Sikhs, and much inflammatory matter has been published in the Press. The necessary precautionary measures against possible violence have been taken, and I have no reason to suppose that any persons who have committed offences in this connection are escaping the consequences.