§ 29. Mr. Messerasked the Secretary of State for India how many persons were killed and wounded when the police fired on the people in Bombay on Friday, 23rd May; and what was the cause of the disorders which necessitated police action?
§ Mr. AmeryI have not yet received the details asked for in the first part of the Question. The disorders in Bombay, which lasted for some days, were purely communal in character. The total casualties reported up to 5th June were 42 dead and 220 injured. The greater part of these are attributable to the isolated stabbing attacks which were the main feature of the disturbances; there was little actual rioting. My latest information indicates an improvement in the situation.