§ MR. MAGNIACasked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether he has heard that the Tea Plantations in Cachar have been invaded by a tribe called the Looshais, who have killed Europeans and their servants, and have driven off the Native labourers; whether any, and, if so, what steps have been taken for the protection of the persons carrying on the cultivation of Tea there; and, whether the Government will consider, with a view to compensation, the losses incurred in consequence of the unprotected state of the frontier?
MR. GRANT DUFFIn reply, Sir, to my hon. Friend, I have to say that I have heard of the Looshai raid, of the murder of a European and of the ser- 659 vants of Europeans, and of the flight of Native labourers. The steps that are to be taken to carry out the defence of the frontier are briefly these:—To determine clearly the line up to which Government will enforce its direct authority; to establish friendly relations and influence with the tribes beyond; so to strengthen the defences by the establishment of military or police posts that the tribes shall be deterred from attempting outrages within our limits, and, if violence is attempted, to take care that summary punishment shall follow. There are now nearly 2,000 men of the police and Regular troops in the district of Cachar, and I hope and believe that the measures adopted will have the effect of restoring confidence and encouraging the development of a branch of industry in which the Government of India is deeply interested.
§ MR. MAGNIACThe hon. Gentleman has not replied to the last part of my Question.