HC Deb 31 March 1881 vol 260 c364
MR. O'DONNELL

asked the Secretary of State for India, Whether portions of the territory of the Nagas bordering on Eastern Bengal, lately occupied by the British. troops, have been recently annexed; whether the Nagas have asked for annexation to the British Dominions; and, whether, if not, the annexed territory will be immediately restored?

THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTON

was understood to say that Commercial Treaties were concluded in 1826 and 1833 with the territory in question; but, owing to the nature of the country and the people, with little result. Since 1867, in consequence of very savage raids made on several British and neighbouring villages, active measures had been taken to put a stop to them. A British Resident was appointed, and after certain military operations in the spring of last year, in consequence of the murder of a British subject, strict injunctions were given that no further operations should be undertaken against these tribes without careful previous inquiry from the Government of India.