HC Deb 21 July 1924 vol 176 cc850-2
49. Mr. RHYS

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he can give any information as to the recent rioting in Delhi; the cause of the outbreak; and the number of casualties?

14. Lieut.-Colonel HOWARD - BURY

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he has any information with regard to the Hindu-Moslem riots in Delhi; and whether he will call for an official report?

Mr. RICHARDS

I will answer these questions by circulating in the-OFFICIAL REPORT copies of two telegrams from the Government of India on the subject of the Delhi riots.

Earl WINTERTON

Can the hon. Gentleman not give some information on this, which is really a very important matter? Can he say whether or not the rioting has now ceased, and how many British troops have been engaged in quelling it?

Mr. RICHARDS

I can say the rioting has now ceased, but I cannot say how many British troops were engaged. I understand two persons were injured.

Earl WINTERTON

Cannot the hon. Gentleman give the number of British troops engaged in quelling the dispute, instead of quoting telegrams from the Government of India?

Mr. RICHARDS

If the Noble Lord will wait until he has seen the answer, I think he will agree that it meets the case.

Following are the copies of the telegrams:

"COPY OF TELEGRAM FROM VICEROY, HOME DEPARTMENT, TO SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA, DATED 18TH JULY, 1924.

Following telegram received from Chief Commissioner: Communal tension between Hindus and Musalmans has been greatly accentuated lately by several rumours of forcible conversion to either faith. Special arrangements made for protection of the city during Id with the aid of the military On the 11th, 3 days before Id, insignificant unexpected quarrel between Hindu and Musalman youths occasioned slight not in the morning, easily suppressed, followed by serious Musalman attack due to false rumour of death of this youth. Situation promptly dealt with by police, but military assistance invoked. Situation under control by night. Hospital casualties: Hindus, dead, 3; injured, 45. Moslems, injured, 25. Unknown number under treatment elsewhere. No trouble 12th to 14th. Local authorities morning of the 15th proclaimed special closing of additional route through Hindu quarter for cows destined for sacrifice. Orders resented by the Moslems, especially butchers. Serious riots at midday in the northern suburbs of the city. Proclamation with difficulty enforced. Order restored within two hours with military assistance. Hospital casualties: Hindus, dead, 8; injured, 44. Moslems, dead, 1; injured, 25; unknown number privately treated. Police opened fire with buckshot, causing two deaths. No trouble 16th. Following night not by Hindus centre of city easily suppressed. To-day situation quiet, Moslem shops generally open, Hindu shops mostly closed. Police control adequate with military assistance. There has been no looting. Situation grave owing to the unreasonable panic and possibility of individual acts of badmashi."

"COPY OF TELEGRAM FROM VICEROY, HOME DEPARTMENT, TO SECRETARY OF STATE FOR INDIA, DATED 17TH JULY, 1924.

Acute tension between Hindus and Mohammedans, Delhi, has been prevalent for some time, resulting in somewhat serious disturbances. Alleged assault by Hindus on Mohammedan boy, and false rumour that boy was killed, created much excitement in Mohammedan community. Military was called in and situation was under control by nightfall. Dispositions created by local authority were sufficient to prevent disturbances on the following three days, and critical day, 14th July, of Mohammedan Festival passed off quietly. At midday on 15th July, however, serious trouble began in Sudder Bazaar. Local regulations prohibit taking cows for slaughter in Delhi during 1d by certain routes leading through the Hindu quarters. Dispute arose whether a cow should be taken along prohibited route. Riots ensued and police were compelled to fire. Order was restored by about 4 p.m. by the assistance of the military. Three Hindus and one Mohammedan are believed to have been killed. Latest reports state that the situation is satisfactory."