HC Deb 19 March 1908 vol 186 cc771-2
SIR H. COTTON

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been drawn to the frequent appointment of punitive police in the province of Eastern Bengal; whether these punitive police are appointed to keep the peace or to suppress the growing strength of the Swadeshi or national movement; whether the villages in which these police are stationed are the strongholds of this movement; whether the Mahomedan inhabitants of these villages have been exempted generally from payment of a tax for the maintenance of these police; whether Hindus who are unsympathetic with the Swadeshi movement have been taxed lightly or altogether exempted; and whether he will inquire into the matter with a view of relieving what is represented to be a grievous burden on the people concerned.

*MR. REES (Montgomery Boroughs)

Before the right hon. Gentleman answers this Question, may I ask whether the argumentative part is accepted as well as the interrogatory?

MR. MOELEY

That needs a more elaborate examination of this question than I have yet given it. My hon. friend is no doubt aware that by the law of India (Police Act, 1861, section 15) it is necessary, before additional police can be quartered in any area at the cost of the inhabitants, that the local government shall declare, by proclamation in the Official Gazette, that "the area has been found to be in a disturbed or dangerous state, or that, from the conduct of the inhabitants of such area or of any class or section of them, it is expedient to increase the number of police." I have no reason to suppose that the Local Government has failed in its duty, where it has ordered additional police to be quartered on any locality in Eastern Bengal; or that it has apportioned the cost upon any class or section of the inhabitants with reference to political movements and opinion. I do not propose to make any inquiry into the matter.

*SIR H. COTTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Sherpore case, which was referred to yesterday, the only Hindu exempted is a gentleman well known for his antagonism to the national movement, whereas all the Mahomedans have been exempted? Will he inquire into that?

MR. MOELEY

Yes, Sir. I will.