From the secretary to the government op india, foreign department to the resident in kashmir

He had given some guns and cartridges to some people of this country, and thus dispersed them. He has left nothing in the fort.

At this territory belongs to the exalted there were in the fort had been received from the treasury of the exalted Govern­ment, it would be a matter of great regret and extreme insult if the exalted Government do not take any notice of, and measures about, the matter, because this act of plunder is done against the exalted Government.

It is quite plain and known that many leading men of Badakhshan having fled from their country have come and settled in this territory; but my late father, in accordance with the hind received from the exalted Government did not allow any of them to interfere with the frontier territories of His Highness the Amir (of Kabul), and kept them like prisoners. It is a matter for amazement that Sher Afzal should have come from the territory of His Highness and committed this gigantic raid on the territory of the exalted Government. From the statements of the associates of Sher Afzal who have been captured, it is understood that His Highness the Amir compelled all the Chitral people, who were residing in Badakhshan, to accompany Sher Afzal, and that His Highness gave them "tilas" for the purchase of horses and arms and weapons, and had thus raised the troops.

I hope that the exalted Government will be pleased not to connive at this improper proceeding, which is a serious insult, and will not refrain from calling for an explanation about the matter.

I have nothing further to add except the expressions of my loyal and good intentions.

It is well known that my brother, Afzal-ul-Mulk, had occupied the place of our father; while myself, owing to the fostering care and kindness of the exalted Government have come to be in possession of the government of this country.

So long as I live will devote myself to do recompense for this kindness; ........................... ........................... ........................... ........................... ........................... ........................... ........................... ........................... ........................... ........................... ...........................

Translation of a letter from Sardar Nizam-ul-Mulk, to the British Agent at Gilgit, dated the 19^th December 1892.

After compliments. - On 17^th December, with the help and support of God and the patronage of Government, I arrived at Chitral and assured myself by doing what was necessary. Now as to the house of the Chitral rulers: my uncle, Sher Afzal, previous to his flight, sent away all the treasure and the whole of the movable property to Badakhshan, also some rifles and cartridges either by sending them on ahead or taking them with himself. Some he gave away to people who are scattered about. In short he has left nothing in Chitral. It is evident that the country of Chitral belongs to Government, and the treasure and property which were here had come from the treasury of Government. Now all Government property that was here has been ruthlessly plundered. If Government would not see to recovering it, the result would be extremely pitiful and much indignity and slight. The letter from the Amir to Sher Afzal, which came to Asmar and thence being brought by a Chitrali was concealed by the latter from Sher Afzal during his flight and brought to me, shows that Sher Afzal came to Chitral without the Amir's permission. I send the Amir's letter to you in original. But from Sher Afzal's followers, thirty of whom are prisoners here, I have heard that Sher Afzal had full permission and much secret support from the Amir in his attack on Chitral. All these prisoners say that Sher Afzal asked the Amir for help in troops. The Amir refused to give him troops, but ordered all Chitrali salves in Badakhshan to be given him, and through the General at Badakhshan supplied money, gold, arms, &c., to them. There is no doubt of this being true. Whether he had the Amir's permission or not it is all the same. You know how many fugitives from Badakhshan like Ali Mardan Shah, the Sayads of Zebak and Minjan, &c., are living in this country, and my late revered father at the instance of Government kept them here like prisoners, and prevented them from interfering with the Amir's country. When on hearing the news of Amir's death Ali Mardan went over to Wakhan and afterwards came back bringing with him some ponies and 2 or 3 rifles, my father had these things sent back to Wakhan. It is a matter of great pity that at the instance of Government, so much caution and carefulness have been observed on our side, while the Amir did such immense mischief. My brother has been killed - our whole house ruined. All this you understand well : no need to write it at length.

As to meeting you I wrote before. If you cannot yourself come, kindly depute another officer quickly here, because this is absolutely necessary for the settlement of all affairs. I am very much awaiting this.

What more shall I say except this that I am sincerely devoted to you. I am like a tree planted by the hand of Government. As long as possible I will endeavour with my whole heart and should to acknowledge the debt I owe. My homour and country belong to Government.

I sent the respected Wazir Inayat Khan to convey my gratitude, and to explain certain urgent matters to you. Where is the tongue with which I could express my gratitude for the help and kindness rendered by you to me. Now I hear you have taken away Mir Wali's son who was the cause of malicious ideas and mischievous intentions to Gakuch. I am very thankful for this kind.

I send a pony as a present their wish I went to my hereditary country, and establish myself on the throne of my fore fathers, and am somewhat anxious for my nephew, Murid, who the British Government. If orders be given to the officer in command of the troops in Badakhshan to move the Wakhan force two marches, it will prove advantageous to my State affairs. Three persons who are Munawar Khan's sister's sons and three Chitrali Mullas who are prisoners in Kabul may be set at liberty for my sake."

All that you wrote has been understood by me. Although in moving towards Chitral you committed irregularity having gone towards that place secretly and on your own responsibility without informing our high Government yet as you in tended to proceed to your own and hereditary country and went there it does not much matter. But are not going to order the troops of the God-granted kingdom of Afghanistan to move a single march to support you in your acts or in your household dissensions which you have amongst yourselves, so you may see to your own affairs and go through what you have undertaken. Our high Government has nothing to do with your affairs. As to Munawar Khan's sister's sons, who you say are prisoners in Kabul, we will command an answer being sent to you by next dak. As to the three Chitrali Mullas, who had come via Jalalabad to Kabul, and hence proceeding to Turkistan were imprisoned there, you wrote the high Government might, for this slave's sake, set them at liberty. We have ordered their return from Turkistan and release. The rest by the grace of the Holiness of God all goes well with our religious and worldly affairs.

[Seal of His Highness.]

Amir Abdur Rahman.

Translation of letter from Khan Bahadur Jemadar Rab Nawaz Khan, News-writer at Chitral, to British Agent at Gilgit, No. 67, dated the 18^th December 1892.

Sher Afzal's own men, &c.; the rest were liberated slaves. It is impossible that such a large number of men having come from different places should assemble at Faizabad, and the Governor of Badakhshan know not anything about them. Another proof of this is the fact that, on receipt of news of Nizam's approach, Sher Afzal sent away all the late Mehtar's treasure on six mules and sir ponies at once to Badakhshan without any fear or apprehension, and at last, himself too went to the Commander-in-Chief at Asmar. Had he come secretly and by flight, how could he have done this. On these grounds, I beg to state that all that has happened was caused by the Amir's diplomacy and sharp wit. The Amir mentions in his letter to Sher Afzal — "You acted irregularly in secretly having gone to Chitral without apprising our Government of your intentions. But as you intended to go to your and your father's country and home, it does not much matter. I am wondering at these words used by the Amir who is a friend of the British Government. I have reported all this m my letter No. 59, dated the 9^th November, to the Foreign Secretary. I write it again: all the known' treasure belonging to the Mehtar has been plundered by Sher Afzal. But the treasure buried insid6 the fort, about sixty to seventy thousand rupees, which was known only to the Sardar's and Shah-i-Mulk's mothers, has now at these ladies revealing come into Nizam's hands, and this Nizam is concealing. In my opinion until the attempts of Sher Afzal against this country (viz. his ^coming again) are stopped through the Amir, and the treasure, property and arms taken away by Sher Afzal are obtained back, the ideas and thoughts of the people in this country will not easily be reformed.

Kohkan Beg, who had fled towards Dir on Sher Afzal's coming, has come back to Nizam-ul-Mulk. Ghujam too will probably come back shortly. Nizam-ul-Mulk has written to Umra Khan, about Amir-ul-Mulk also being sent back, saying he will be kept and provided for.

Lately Umra Khan attacked Kashkar and conquered Patrak, and well footed it. Although the Patrakis are submitting to Umra Khan, they are at the same time making schemes for another rebellion.

Muhammad Shah Khan of Dir has sent messages to the Painda and Sultan Khel tribes, asking them to come over unhesitatingly and pay respects to him at Dir. It is said these tribes do not wish to submit to Umra Khan.

News has come that the Amir having come to Jalalabad has sent Safdar Khan of Nawagal, Muhammad Sharif Khan and other well-wishers his in Bajaur for the jalsa also, to be held in Jalalabad : so all are ready to start

Nizam-ul-Mulk has sent a friendly letter to Umra Khan.

The Kafirs, who had gone with Mr. Robertson to India, arrived here safely with Nizam-ul-Mulk and have gone to Bashgal.

Nizam-ul-Mulk wish his closest friend, Ali Mardan Shah, to come here.

Nizam-ul-Mulk is displeased with the Sayad of Barandes, saying he and both wish to set up Mir Wali's son in Yasin.

From - Lieutenant-Colonel D. W. K. Barr, Officiating Resident in Kashmir,

To - The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.

In continuation of this office letter No652, dated the 18^th February 1983, the honour to forward, for the information of the Government of India, a copy of a letter No. dated the 5^th January 1893, from the British Agent at Gilgit, relative, to recent events in Chitral, and the starting of the proposed mission to that place.

2. It will be noticed that the letter was written nearly two months ago, I before the receipt by Lieutenant-Colonel Durand of the orders conveyed in your telegram No. 108F., dated the 12th January 1893, or of the information regarding the treatment of Sher Afzal by the Amir, winch was received under your endorsement No. 137F, dated the 16^th idem.

3. To avoid the occurrence of further delay, which would result from having the letter copied in my office, I forward the letter, in original, and request that printed copies may be supplied to this office for record.

___________

No. dated Gilgit, the. 5th January 1893.

From - Lieutenant Colonel A. G. Durand, C.B., British Agent at Gilgit,

To - The Resident at Kashmir.

I have the honour to report that Wazir Inayat Khan arrived here two days ago as an envoy from Nizam-ul-Mulk. He left Chitral the day after its occupation by the Sardar.

2. The object of his deputation was to persuade me to proceed to Chitral at once, or, failing this, to send some other officer. The Sardar thought That Mr. Robertson being engaged in Chilas could not go himself, as had been originally decided.

3. Mr. Robertson and I have had two interviews with Wazir Inayat Khan, and have come to the conclusion that there is no necessity to ask Government to reconsider the advisability of despatching to mission. Mr. Robertson, accompanied by Wazir Inayat Khan, accordingly leaves here at once, the mission should start from Gakuch on the 7^th instant, and be in Chitral by about the 25^th. The considerations which led me in my letter No. dated the 24^th December 1982, to deprecate sending a single officer into Chitral do not apply to a mission with an escort of fifty men. for the safety of such a party I entertain no fears, though it is unsafe to prophesy too certainly as to events in Chitral.

4. It appears to me that the main point to consider is whether Government can bring such pressure to bear on the Amir as will prevent his instigating and helping Sher Afzal to repeat his formed venture. With Sher Afzal on the borders of Chitral either in Asmar or in Badakhshan, ready to move at the Amir's bidding into Chitral, we can never be certain of quiet in the country. With Sher Afzal, a powerless refugee in Kabul or elsewhere, there is, I believe, small danger of any disturbance.

5. The story of Sher Afzal's capture of Chitral told by Wazir Inayat ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ......................

appears, some seven hundred men in the fort of' Chitral), he paid no attention to it. When the gates were opened and he was aroused by the; firing, he ran out of his house and was immediately killed. There being no one left to lead them, his adherents at once have in, but Inayat Khan gave it as his opinion that had Afzal-ul-Mulk acted on the warning he had received and been prepared Sher Afzal would have had no chance of success.

6. It appears that Sher Afzal acted throughout as the servant of Amir and our avowed enemy. Jemadar Rab Nazar Khan and Hospital
Assistant Shaikh Ghulam Mohi-ud-din were in hourly danger of their lives, and from what we hear owed their escape to the Warning and protection of some friendly Chitralis. Sher Afzal apparently fearing to kill them, openly instigated men to murder them at nigh, and they are reportedly the Hospital Assistant to have passed many nights in hiding.

7. To mark his subjection to the Amir, Sher Afzal caused prayers to be offered in the former's name in the mosques, discussed openly the propriety of killing the Jemadar and Hospital Assistant,, proclaimed himself the Amir's subject, and sought to gain popularity by declaring that he would close the country to us. The Amir in addition to freeing and arming the Chitrali slaved in Badakhshan, gave him large sums of money and this money and some of Mehtar Aman-ul-Mulk's treasure Sher Afzal freely distributed, thereby gaining many adherents. In particular many of the Adamzadas the high born

8. Judging from Inayat Khan's story, from the Jemadar's letters, and from other sources of information, it seems that Nizam-ul-Mulk has now about half the people on his side. The most important men in his father's and brother's, time Inayat Khan, Wafadar Khan, his half-brother, Ghulam, Raja Bahadur Khan, Abdullah Khan, the Governor of Mastuj are all with him, and most of them in Chitral now. Against: him are some of the Mullas (not so much to be considered here as they would be amongst Pathan tribes, for the Ghitrali is, no bigot), a good many of the smaller leading men amongst the Adamzadas, the people probably of Lutku, and a section of the people of Choral. The Yasin^: and Ghizr people are as I have before pointed out, in favour of being under a Khushwakt Raja. Nizam-ul-Mulk has some three hundred rifles in Chitral the others are scattered about the country and are being collected. He holds, as pointed out in a letter of the Jemadar's, Killa Darosh Shogot, &c

9. Nizam-ul-Mulk himself is now in Chitral, but has not occupied his father's house. He has given out that he will not do this until he is installed by a British officer. I have telegraphed suggesting that, if it seems advisable, Mr. Robertson might have permission to recognise and instal Nizam-ul-Mulk as Mehtar. Mr. Robertson with his exceptional knowledge of Chitral will be able to judge on the spot whether this is the correct course to pursue. Neither of us has any desire to appoint in the name of Government a puppet king, who would stand n need of bolstering up by us in future. But it seems not unlikely that in writing, both the Jemadar, with the feel, of Sher Afzals knife still at his throat, and Nizam-ul-Mulk, stripped of nearly all his father's treasure, with his brother's blood hardly dry at his door, and with the knowledge that Sher Afzal's adherents are at his elbow, exaggerate the difficulties of the situation.

10. Nizam-ul-Mulk calls urgently for me to send a British officer; the Jemadar seems to acquiresce in the propriety of sending one, knowing that but a small escort can go at this time of the year the Jemadar would protest ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... .........................

Inayat Khan is Slier Afzal; if the Amir does not help him, and start him over
the frontier again, there is no chance of trouble; Nizam-ul-Mulk will hold
his own, and reign in peace and security.

11. Personally I am inclined to think that, as I have said above, the only factors worth considering are fee Amir and Sher Afzal. If the Chitralis plainly that the Government of India have such authority with the Amir that he has been obliged to remove Sher Afzal from the frontier, and to abstain from supporting him or from interfering in Chitral, there will, I hope, be no trouble. Inayat Khan could only mention the names of half a dozen men devoted to Sher Afzal, who are of sufficient importance in the country to require watching; the mass of the people will always join the strongest side; such a party without a head cannot do much harm. But there must be no doubt as to the authority of Government over the Amir, for unfortunately for us the Chitralis have, owing to the encroachments of the Amir above Asmar, and the assistance he gave Sher Afzal an exaggerated belief in his power. They are well aware of the assurances given repeatedly by Government to the Mehtar that the Amir would not be permitted to interfere in Chitral, and the complete and insolent disregard of the wishes arid interests of Government shown by the Amir in fitting out Sher Afzal's expedition has had its effect.

12. If the mission goes at once to Chitral, I believe we shall regain our hold over the country, and, if the Amir is held in check, extend it materially very soon. Should it not go, then I think Sher Afzal would very probably at: once return. If he returns, and the Chitralis think we are not determined to establish our influence in the country, Nizam-ul-Mulk may be driven out, for the Amir's name is behind Sher Afzal. Owing to various causes our prestige is now great on this frontier; the course of events during the last two months in Chitral and Yasin shows that it is so: and I think we should take advantage of this boldly, and by so doing, rivet firmly, if possible, our hold on Chitral.

13. Acting, therefore, on the sanction contained in your telegram No. 5954, dated 16^th December, 1982 and 21^st December 1892, I am starting the Chitral mission immediately; the composition of it being Mr. G.S. Robertson, C.S.I. in command, Captain Younghusband, C.I.E., Assistant British Agent, Lieutenant the Honourable C.G. Bruce, 1-5 Gurkhas, Lieutenant J.L. Gordon, 15^th Sikhs, Commanding the escort of 50 rifles, 15^th Sikhs. A force of a hundred and fifty rifles will also be moved forward and entrenched at Gupis, or a few miles in rear of that position at Roshan as a support. It may not be out of place here to state that the value of moving troops to Gupis in November 1982 has been fully proved to me by information which has been for some time in my possession. This is to the effect that the Tangir people sent over emissaries into Ghizr, and proposed sending a force against Punyal with the assistance of the Ghizr and Yasin people, but that the presence of the troops in Yasin territory at once put an to the project.