§ 2. Lieut.-Colonel APPLINasked the Secretary of State for India how far the recommendations of Mr. Glancy, the British Commissioner in Kashmir, have been carried out with regard to the redress of Muslim grievances and the establishment of an assembly, respectively?
§ Mr. BUTLERThe orders passed by the Government of His Highness the Maharaja on the recommendations of the Glancy Commission to inquire into grievances and complaints shortly after the publication of their report were summarised in the Press during April, 1932. It was also announced that the report of the Kashmir Constitutional Reforms Conference, presided over by Mr. Glancy, was 732 receiving the earnest consideration of His Highness's Government and that, as a first step, they appointed in May. 1932, a Franchise Committee to examine the portions of the report relating to franchise and questions of qualification for a vote.
§ 3 and 4. Lieut.-Colonel APPLINasked the Secretary of State for India (1) on what grounds S. M. Abdulla, president of the All-Jammu-Kashmir Muslim Conference, has been arrested; and what is the specific charge against him;
(2) whether he is aware that S. Zainul Abidin, a representative of the Ahmadiyya community, who went to Kashmir to see the Prime Minister on their behalf, has been externed from the state; and what were the circumstances that led to this action?
§ Mr. BUTLERI understand that a breach of the peace which occurred between two sections of the Moslem community in Srinagar on the 25th May led to such disturbances that on the 30th May the Government of His Highness the Maharaja in order to preserve the public peace and to remove the danger which was threatening the lives and properties of Muslims decided to arrest S. M. Abdulla and seven others. I have no information as to the externment of S. Zainul Abidin from the State.
§ Lieut.-Colonel APPLINWill the hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to this matter; and, if he has any further information, will he communicate it in due course?
§ Mr. BUTLERIf I have any information I shall be glad to impart it to my hon. and gallant Friend.