§ Colonel HOWARD-BURYasked the Secretary of State for India the number of casualties in the communal riots that have recently taken place in Benares; and what was the origin of the rioting?
§ Mr. BENNThe disturbances were due to strained Hindu-Moslem relations consequent on the murder of a Muhammadan cloth dealer on 10th February. I believe that the number of casualties amounted to about 200. The condition of the city was nearly normal by 17th February, on which date a meeting was held and addressed by Hindu and Moslem leaders. Resolutions were passed deploring communal riots and expressing sympathy with the sufferers and raising funds for the repair of temples, mosques, shops and houses and compensating the injured.