HC Deb 04 November 1946 vol 428 cc1053-7
70. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he will make a further statement on the riots in Eastern Bengal.

73. Mr. R. A. Butler

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he has yet received a full report on the recent disturbances in East Bengal; and, if so, whether he will make it available to the House.

Mr. A. Henderson

I have received further reports from the Governor of Bengal. The substance of these is given in a statement which, owing to its length, I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Butler

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman satisfied that the authorities are taking every step to get both sides together to end these unfortunate disturbances and create a better atmosphere?

Mr. Henderson

Yes, Sir. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman has seen in the Press this weekend that the leaders of both the communities are meeting together with a view to bringing this communal strife to an end.

Following is the statement:

The general situation in Eastern Bengal is under control in both Noakhali and Tippera Districts and reports do not indicate that hooligan bands are any longer operating. No serious incident has been reported on the Noakhali mainland since 16th October, nor in Tippera District since 20th October. Some trouble developed on Sandwip Island between 19th October and 23rd October with cases of arson, looting and murder. Some pani developed among the population and troops were sent to the island. The situation there has since improved. There was recently a communal riot in the Mymensingh District further north in which two persons were killed, and three houses were burnt and five looted. The situation was brought under control by police reinforcements, but tension is high. A company of troops and 50 armed police have been sent to this area. The number of troops now operating is 1,800, and there are also 620 armed police in addition to the unarmed police belonging to police stations in the affected area. On 22nd Octobe Golam Sarwar, an ex-member of the Bengal Legislature, whose inflammatory speeches were believed to have been one cause of the outbreak, was arrested. A total of 254 hooligans have been arrested; 31 have been killed in action by police and military and 39 injured.

The area affected by the disturbances is approximately 160 square miles in Tippera District, the total area of which is 2,500 square miles, and not mole than 300 square miles in Noakhali District, the total area of which is 1,650 square miles. Full information as to what occurred in this area is not yet available. The collection of accurate information has been rendered most difficult by the fact that thousands of persons have left their homes and others are as yet too nervous to come forward with information. Precise details of the occurrences or of the exact position in particular areas will not be forthcoming until the presence of the police and the military have completely restored confidence. Two senior judicial officers of the Indian Civil Service have been deputed to visit the areas affected and to report on what has occurred. The Governor reports, however, that the information received since the reply which I gave to the House on 2Ist October has all tended to confirm the estimate of the position which I then gave. The following more detailed information is now available. Forty villages in the two districts are at present known to have been attacked. This figure will probably be increased by later information. It does not, however, mean that entire villages have been wiped out. In the majority of cases the hooligans directed their attention to the Hindu portion of the village, to isolated Hindu homesteads, and to Hindu shops. In Noakhali District it is estimated that between 250 and 300 homesteads have been burnt. The exact details of the extent of the destruction in Tippera District are as yet lacking, but the present estimate is that 350 homesteads have been looted and burnt in addition to an unknown number of Hindu shops in at least three big bazaars. Looting and arson have been greatly facilitated by the panic-stricken flight of householders.

A precise estimate of casualties will not be available for some time but the available information supports the previously expressed view that the casualties will be low in the three figures category. Up to 22nd October verified cases of murder in Noakhali District were fewer than 100. The figure in Tippera District will be very low. Detailed investigations are now being made into the alleged mass killings at the houses of leading citizens. The first reports confirm that the published reports were greatly exaggerated. The allegation that 400 persons were killed in the house of one leading Hindu in Noakhali District has been investigated and the facts have been found to be that 21 persons were killed. Another statement that 50 persons were killed at Sonaimura in Noakhali District has been found on investigation also to be exaggerated, the actual figure being 12. Cases of abduction may have occurred, but as yet no authentic and verified official reports of abductions have been received. In both Tippera and Noakhali Districts there have undoubtedly been large numbers of forcible conversions. But reliable statistics will not be available for a considerable time. It is difficult to obtain information because individuals are unwilling to admit conversion and are still afraid of the consequences if they give information. The two senior judicial officers who are visiting the area have special instructions to ascertain the facts in regard to conversions.

The latest return of persons in relief camps shows a total of 50,000. Refugees are beginning to return to their villages, having been reassured by energetic military measures which have been taken to afford protection and to establish pickets in villages. Additional food supplies are being flown into the affected area by II planes made available by the R.A.F. and considerable supplies of foodstuffs are being despatched by rail. Medical supplies for relief work are adequate and the Bengal Branch of the Red Cross and several other voluntary relief and ambulance organisations are working in the locality. Provision has been made for the rehabilitation of villagers who return to their homes by grants of gratuitous relief, clothes, blankets and cooking utensils, and steps are being taken to assist in the supply of building materials. Additional District Magistrates in charge of relief work have been posted in Noakhali and Tippera Districts.

74. Mr. R. A. Butler

asked the Under-Secretary of State for India if he will make a statement as to the number of persons killed and injured in civil disturbances in India since 1st July; and whether he will undertake to keep the House fully informed on these matters at regular intervals.

Mr. A. Henderson

The total number of persons killed and injured in communal riots between 1st July and 30th October is estimated at 5,018 and 13,320 respectively, exclusive of casualties in the recent disturbances in Eastern Bengal. The major part of both these figures is attributable to the disturbances in Calcutta, including the very serious riots in August last, the figures for which are admittedly only approximate. No estimate is yet available for the riots in Eastern Bengal. but it is thought that the number of killed will be low in three figures. Since 30th October there has been further rioting in Bihar, where the total death roll since the riots began on 25th is estimated at 279. As regards the second part of the Question, I shall always be ready to give the House any available information if a Question is put down.