§ Sir A. KNOXasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware that the attempted murder of a British officer of the 3rd Sappers and Miners at Kirkee was due to discontent owing to an order requiring Sikhs of that regiment to mess with men of lower caste, namely, Mazbi Sikhs, lately drafted in on disbandment of pioneer regiments; and what steps have been taken to allay discontent?
§ Sir S. HOARE:I have no information regarding any order that the Jat Sikhs should mess with the Mazbis, but, as I informed the House on 13th February, the outrage was probably intended as a protest against the transfer of Mazbi Sikhs to the Bombay Sappers and Miners. No further trouble is expected. I may mention that the transfer of Mazbi Sikhs into the Bengal Sappers and Miners has taken place without incident.