§ 41. Mr. G. NICHOLSONasked the Secretary of State for India whether his attention has been directed to recent wholesale murders in tribal territory on the North-West Frontier; and whether the Government of India admit any responsibility for the state of lawlessness which permits of such atrocities?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Mr. Butler)The facts as reported to my right hon. Friend are that on 30th April Khan Sahib Zangi Khan, a prominent Malik of the Madda Khel tribe in North Waziristan, his brother, and his cousin were murdered by the sons of Khan Habib, with whom Zangi was not on good terms. A tribal lashkar thereupon attacked Khan Habib, and after prolonged fighting killed him and 25 of his relatives and supporters. The lashkar is reported to have lost about 15 killed and wounded. These events took place in unadministered tribal territory, where the Government of India do not exercise control in regard to purely internal tribal matters.
§ Mr. NICHOLSONIs my hon. Friend satisfied with the situation that exists, namely, that there should be a large area technically within the British Empire where the King's writ does not run; and will he consider the advisability of urging upon the Government of India a forward policy combined with a policy of disarming the tribes in piecemeal fashion?
§ Mr. BUTLERI am satisfied that these matters have been very carefully considered over a number of years by the authorities in India, and I cannot hold out any hope of following the suggestion of my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. NICHOLSONIs my hon. Friend aware that there is by no means unanimity in India on this question?
§ Lieut.-Commander AGNEWIs there any enthusiasm among the tribes for unilateral disarmament?