Persian Movements on Chaga and the Seistan Boundary [‎245r] (5/18)

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Enclosure No- 3
by Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. at Khelat, from the 1th to the \Uh August 1871.
At the latter end of last week a severe bail storm was experienced at
Capota and Guzuk, the stones are said to have been as large as walnuts and
to have caused considerable loss and damage : nearly four hundred sheep beino*
killed, and all the grain fields, melons, &c., ruined.
Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Faquir Mahomed, Naib of Kedj, has written to His Highness the
Khan that as all sorts of rumours will originate from his wanting to resign his
appointment and go on a pilgrimage, he hopes no reliance will be placed on these
reports, as there is no diminution in his loyalty or good will, and that his only
object in wishing to retire from official life, is feeling that he cannot satisfac
torily conduct his duties under the new organization. His Highness sanctioned
his going to Mecca, but advised him not to throw up the naibship as he would
get Rs. 250 per mensem and other privileges.
A post from Kedj despatched on the 2nd instant reached Mustoong on
the 12th. Harogah Attah Mahomed acknowledged His Highness’s instructions
as to the necessity of furnishing immediate information of any movement on
the part of Persia “towards Mekran,” i. e., if towards Punjgoor, intelligence
to be forwarded to Kurrachee via Kobwah and Belah, and if in the direction
of Kedj, information to be sent vi& Gwadur. Harogah Attah Mahomed enclosed
a letter from a Belooch Chief “ now under Persian rule, who states that
Surteep Ibrahim Khan was at Bam and Mahomed Khan, Gitchkee, in charge of
Bampur.” Everything was then quiet, “ but the movements into Beloochistan
this year were to he on a larger scale than heretofore,‘and it remained to be
seen what would happen.” Pannex copy of letter “minus signature.” The
writer The lowest of the four classes into which East India Company civil servants were divided. A Writer’s duties originally consisted mostly of copying documents and book-keeping. “ is a person of rank and influence and showed me kindness and civility.”
Harogah Attah Mahomed has asked His Highness to reply to this note in a
friendly manner, but I have strongly advised him not to do so, first, because both
Persia and Khelat having promised to respect the present line of possession
“ pending General Goldsmid’s settlement” any intrigue would he looked upon
as a breach of faith ; second, the Persians would, with some show of justice,
make it an excuse for hostile action against some portion or another of Khelat
territory.
Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Abdool Rahman writes to Nawab An honorific title; an official acting as a provincial deputy ruler in South Asia; or a significant Muslim landowner in nineteenth century India. Mahomed Khan as follows:
“I have returned to Nooshky. Prior to arrival six wugs of camels had
been stolen. Kumal Khan and Tmaum Khan, Tokees, have made their salaam to
the Persians. Sarfuraz Khan being helpless has acknowledged Persian rule, and
his son has been released. Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Ibrahim Khan, ‘of Chuckunsoor,’ is the
only one who has not succumbed : ‘ no other Belooch remain to oppose the
Persians,’ and not a bird can fly without their knowing it. The Persian force in
Seistan is enormous, and other reinforcements are on the road. Some buniahs
from my place, who had gone to do zeearut at Syud Mahomed s Peer weie
plundered, and I have just heard that a large force
* -and Hills. - s CO ncealed in the raigistan* between Nooshky
and Seistan to watch any opportunity that may occur to plunder. &c. You,
Mahomed Khan, tell the sahib this. Owing to dearth and famine my people
have had to leave for Chaga, Gurmsail and Kohistan. I am theiefoie power
less if the Persians come against me. I will let you know should anything
further occur.” Copy of letter annexed.
News from Belah just received is not very encouraging. Movvlah Bad
Deenaree, Jan Singh, of Oothul, writes to Shahgazee Goolam Jan, as follows:
Doorah Borah reports that Ali Khan publicly announces pat he will never
acknowledge His Highness’s authority, not even it he comes to Belah, and that
he will injure him whenever or wherever he can : with tins ipte^it l e has eom-
menced raiding the Shahooks and Goongahs. Yoosuf a Shahook^ has
been induced to join Ali Khan, but the Goongahs have followed up the Jamo.es