§ 1. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Secretary of State for India whether the laskhar of tribesmen which recently attacked Ashewat from across the Afghan border have yet been accounted for; and whether peace in the Zhob area is now restored?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Wedgwood Benn)The post at Ashewat, held by two Indian officers and 76 men of the Zhob Militia, was attacked on 3rd July by a party of Afghan tribesmen, estimated to number between 500 and 1,000 and belonging to certain Ghilzai elements believed to be disaffected towards their own government. The attackers, who are believed to have suffered a good many casualties, were repelled and retired across the frontier. The Militia lost one killed. So far, no further attacks have materialised and all is reported quiet in the Zhob area.