§ Mr. MACLEANasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether he is prepared to make any statement regarding the incident which took place on the Bonna. Road, when two khassadars murdered the havildar and took possession of a tower, from which they had to be dislodged by force; how these troops are enlisted, what are their duties, and how they are officered; and whether they are a recognised part of the Indian Army?
§ Mr. RICHARDSNo official report on the incident has yet been received The khassadars are tribal levies who are paid by the Indian Government to assist in the protection of roads, and the maintenance of peace and order generally on the frontier. They supply their own arms, ammunition, food and clothing and have their own officers, though they are under the general control of British political officers. They do not form part of the Indian army.