HC Deb 20 March 1935 vol 299 cc1204-5
Mr. ATTLEE

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for India whether he has any statement to make on the incident in Karachi where 27 persons-were killed and many others injured?

The SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Sir Samuel Hoare)

I regret to-state that trouble arose yesterday morning at Karachi after the execution of Abdul Qaiyum, who was sentenced to death for the murder of a Hindu in the Judicial Commissioner's Court last September. The burial of the body in a selected graveyard some distance from the city was interrupted by a crowd of Mahommedans who swelled to 20,000 or more. Half the crowd attempted to rush the body by surprise into the city and overpowered the police. In these circumstances, and in view of the certainty of a grave communal disturbance if steps were not taken to disperse the crowd, British troops were brought up and ordered to fire as a last resource. A detachment of 25 men fired nearly two rounds each, causing casualties at present reported to be 29 deaths and 87 injured. The firing was strictly controlled, but, owing to the density of the crowd and the shortness of the range, casualties were high. As the result of the firing the crowd retreated and buried the body of Abdul Qaiyum outside the city. According to the latest report in my possession, the situation yesterday evening was quiet but was being carefully watched.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Would my right hon. Friend say why it is that the Government of India, in dispersing these crowds of excited people, do not use lachrymatory gas capsules, such as used in America, instead of firing bullets, which pierce three or four bodies at the same time, and why humanity and common sense cannot lead to reform in the matter of dealing with crowds of this character?

Sir S. HOARE

The Government of India have already considered that possibility. So far as I remember, lachrymatory gas has been used in the Punjab. I will look again into the suggestion, but I will say nothing that would lead the House to suppose that I have not full confidence in the troops in dealing with the situation in the best possible manner.

Mr. CHURCHILL

Will my right hon. Friend most carefully discriminate between any suggestion that there is lack of confidence in the troops or in the judgment of the people on the spot, and a decision on a matter of high policy which is required from the Imperial Government?

Sir S. HOARE

Certainly.