"تقرير الإدارة عن المقيمية السياسية في الخليج الفارسي للأعوام ١٩١٥-١٩١٩" [و‎‎٦‎٣] (٣٩٦/١٣٢)

FOR THE YEAR 1916.
47
Mr. Pinsent's report on the condition of the country between
Jask and Bahu districts.
Sardar Mustapha Khan continues to control this district of which he has
been chief now for many years. The only
Jask district. . • x x • • i. r t> *
item ot interest m this part 01 reisian
Baluchistan was the sudden and unaccountable attitude adopted by Mir Nur
Muhammad, half brother to the ruling chief, and also to Sardar Barkat Khan
of Biaban when, during March last, he deliberately cut the telegraph lines at
Gabreg on two occasions causing a total interruption to communication of over
111 hours. On the news being carried to Mir Mustapha Khan, the chief imme
diately left Jask with the telegraph repairing party and as large a following
as he could collect, and promptly settled the affair. Mir Barkat also assisted
in this matter by writing strongly to Nur Muhammad threatening him, if he
interfered with the lines again, he would come in person and drive him out of
the country. Petty squabbles of no political importance have occurred at
different times, the elder sons of Mustapha Khan being the culprits and their
principal offence the looting of their father's ryots. The chief has seven sons,
of whom two are minors.
Commencing from 1st January 1916 additional subsidies of Es. 200 and
Ks. 100 each per mensem have been paid to Mustapha Khan and Mir Hoti
of the Jask district on the condition that no interference with the telegraph
lines was permitted. Both these men have carried out their obligations to the
best of their ability and took strong measures to settle Mir Nur Muhammad
when that man cut the wires at the Gabreg.
Mir Barkat Khan is the sole ruler of this district and also plays a promi-
nent part in the affairs of Bashkard, the
chiefs of the latter place being complete
ly under his control. As far as I know, Barkat is loyal and willing to assist
our Government in every way, though I am afraid the same cannot be said of
his relations with the Persian Government. Unconfirmed reports arrive at
intervals of the Minabis looting Barkat's ryots, who in. t arn retaliate. In my
opinion no particular blame can be attached to either party, the people are
all more or less uncivilised and looting will continue until very much stronger
measures are adopted than has hitherto been the case. Barkat's relations with
the sons of the late Mir Haji continue unsatisfactory and, I am afraid, will be
the cause of trouble sooner or later, but when the trouble does come, if ever,
it will be of no political importance. Barkat at present is strong enough to
protect himself against all comers and is the right man for a district of the
size and importance of Biaban. It is said that Mirza Khan of Budbar is
endeavouring to effect a reconciliation between the two parties, but up to the
time of writing no settlement has been arrived at.
The most important event of the year in this district was the murder of
Saiyid Muhammad Umer, an Afghan, who had taken refuge with Barkat on
being turned out of Debai, a man who was frankly inimical towards our Gov
ernment and probably would have been the cause of much unrest thi oughout
the country had he survived. This man openly did all he could to spread
unfavourable reports and even urged the people to rise, but the lesson learned
by Khalifa Khair Muhammad and his followers on the attack of Charbar
station had not been forgotten and was largely responsible towards discourag
ing any openly hostile acts. No one appears to know why the Saiyid was
murdered ; rumour has it that Barkat had the man removed ; others again say
that the Persian Government had a hand in the affair. From reports received
here it "would appear that the murder was a particularly brutal and cold biood-
ed one, some of the Saiyid's slaves and a couple of Barkat's ryots deliberate y
cutting the man's throat on the way to the place where he usually prayed and
then absconding with a portion of his valuables. Ail the murderers were
eventually captured and executed by Barkat. It is diillcult to credit the