HC Deb 13 March 1922 vol 151 cc1799-800W
Sir C. YATE

asked the Secretary of State for India if his attention has been called to the representations to the Assam Government from those concerned in the tea garden industry in that province requesing protection from the Gandhi volunteers, who are breaking up and looting the markets, and boycotting and intimidating the Government servants and tea garden employés; and what steps have been taken to protect those threatened from not and revolution?

Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANS

The Government of Assam have proclaimed the volunteer associations as unlawful. The worst offenders have been prosecuted. Guards of the local military forces have been posted at places most requiring them. The strength of the Assam Rifles in the most disturbed areas is being increased, and route marches have been made as demonstrations. The Seditious Meetings Act has been extended to seven districts; and additional police have been and are being posted wherever necessary. In the Assam Valley the latest report indicates that there has been some improvement in most districts, and interference with markets is diminishing. Attempts to boycott Government servants appear to have ceased. The local Government have ample force to stop effectively anw widespread rioting, and are taking all possible steps for the protection of life and property.