'Administration Report of the Persian Gulf Political Residency for the Years 1915-1919' [‎64r] (134/396)

rOR THE YEAR 1916.
4.9
The death of Sarclar Saiyid Khan, on April 23rd, is a distinct loss to Persian
Baluchistan; the chief was one of the most popular and able rule! s in these
parts, besides being a faithful servant of the British Government. The capture
of Mir Shahdullah of Bir and seven followers at Charbar, on 27th March, follow
ed by the deportation of the captives to Basrah and thence to India had a good
effect on the country generally. This man was indirectly concerned in the
attack on Charbar station, (May 1915), and one of his brothers was killed play
ing a leading part for which he considered he was entitled to compensation
from us and, for several months, sent in threatening messages to the effect that,
if blood money was not forthcoming, he would loot the Charbar bazaar, take
British-Indian subjects away as hostages, besides destroy the telegraph lines.
Affairs reached a climax when Shahdullah appeared in person at Charbar with a
number of followers and repeated his demands. The military authorities, assisted
by the Navy, took immediate action which resulted in the capture of Shahdullah.
This man was released after a few months and it is reported that he and his
followers are much impressed with all they saw and with the kind treatment they
received at the different stations during their detention.
The fort at Bampur and the district has for the past few years been in
charge of the Chief of Gaih with the sanction of the Kerman-Persian authori
ties, but during the illness of Saiyid Khan preceding his death, control over
this district was neglected, the consequence being that Bahram Khan of
Dizak stepped in and refuses to vacate much to the indignation of Islam Khan
who, as previously staled, is controlling the affairs of Gaih during the minority
of Hussain Khan. Beyond threatening Bahram Khan to come in person with
a large following and using force to remove him, Islam Khan has done nothing
so far.
Mir Mahmud Khan and Mir Din Muhammad, his nephew, are chiefs of
. . this district with headquarters at different
Dashtyan district. i - • -i • i j ji
villages and the relationship between the
two continues to be sprained. Din Muhammad, who is quite a young man, is
headstrong and resents any interference from his uncle, the consequence being
that reports come in from time to time of the intentions of the two chiefs to
resort to arms, and it is said only the friendly interference of other chiefs has
prevented this occurring. Din Muhammad is supposed to have been present
with Bahram Khan when the latter attacked and looted Mand and rendered
active assistance, but sufficient evidence has never been forthcoming to prove the
charge. The chief himself indignantly denies ever having any connection with
the affair and says he did all he could to prevent Bahram, even going to the
extent of offering him a large sum of money to abandon the idea. Owing to
the unrest following on the capture and deportation of Shahdullah and his
followers, the two chiefs of this district take it in turn, every alternate month, to
guarantee the safety of the bazaar and the lives and property of the British-
Indian subjects residing there by keeping a small armed force permanently at
Charbar.
There is nothing of importance to report concerning this district, which is
under the control of Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Ashraf and
Bahu district. . , i tt - i
Ahmad Khan.
The exportation of slaves from the Mekran has practically ceased, no
reports concerning the trade having been
received during the past year.
The general condition of the country at the time of writing is satisfactory
and all the leading Sardars well disposed towards us.
The date crop, owing to the unseasonable rains during the early summer 3
resulted in a partial failure but the grain harvest was exceptionally good—the
best for the past many years.
H