§ 14. Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he can give the House any further information regarding the riots in Bombay?
§ Earl WINTERTONThe report from the Bombay Government, dated 23rd February which I have so far received, is as follows: On Sunday night, 20th February, a procession of Multanis and Sikhs accompanied by music was passing the mosque in the Mahommedan quarters in Chakla Street, Bombay City. Mahommedans demanded a stoppage of the music and attacked the procession. The Multanis and Sikhs took refuge in their Gurdwara in a neighbouring street, but a crowd of Mahommedans flocked to the spot from several parts of the city and became very menacing. All persuasion and attempts on the part of the police magistrate and private Mahommedan gentlemen failed. Stones and bottles were thrown at the police and some officers and men were injured. The police opened fire on an order from the magistrate and the crowd dispersed. One man was killed. The full casualties are not known. A detailed report will follow.