Page 683 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

JOB THE TEAR 1910. 27
This route is unpopular with the local carriers owing to its long stages and
to the scarcity of fodder, and until the road has been completed for light motor
traffic, it will seldom bo used for trade purposes.
2. Bandar Abbot-Daulatabad-Baft-Kennan.—This is the trade route
universally used by local carriers, except during the months of January and
February.’ Supplies and grazing are procurable throughout the route. The
‘tclegrapu line from Bandar Abnaa to Kerman runs along this route with
telephone stations at Daulatadad, Doh Sard, Baft and Chari. The telegraph
stations at Baft was reopened in December. The post also travels along this
route. During the year, trade has been greatly hampered by the constant raids of
the Arab tribes under the jurisdiction of His Excellency Qawam-ul-Mulk.
In May, the following arrangements were sanctioned by the Inspector-
General, South Persia Rifles, for the protection of this road, and since then an
extra 26 Tufangchis have been added. The advisability of arming these levies
\uth suitable ai ms and ammunition iB under consideration.
At Baft—
1 Persian officer, 2 non commissioned officers, from Kerman.
1 Rais-i-Tafangchi.
20 Tufangchis.
Local men to be paid by South Persia Rifles and to report to Kerman.
At Daulatabad—
North of Daulatabad about Kaleh-i-Kazi.
1 Persian officer and 2 non-commissioned officers, South Persia Rifles,
from Kerman.
1 Rais-i-Tufangchi.
20 Tufangchis.
Local men to be paid by South Persia Rifles and to report to Kerman.
At Afshar (Tribal) headquarters near Baft (Hushun)—.
1 Rais-i-Tufangchi.
20 Tufangchis.
The Ilkbani of the Afshars. To be paid by South Persia Rifles and to
report to Kerman.
In addition a Tufangchi post of 12 men has been established by Bandar
Abbas near Tang-i-Zindan, under Ahmad Khan of Ahmadi.
In October, the Qawam supported by a small column of South Persia
Rifles proceeded on tour to Darab‘and Lar. His Majesty’s Consul, Shiraz, from
time to time has sent information that the Qawam is dealing heavily with these
robber bands. In addition, Asaf-ul-Mulk, Governor-General, Kerman’s
representative, accompanied by representatives of merchants and local, carriers,
has lately proceeded to meet Qawam at Darab, in order to' recover numerous
claims, amounting to over 100,000 Tumans, against'.these Arab marauders.
Eor operations of South Persia Rifles on this route, see South Persia Rifles.
3. Bandar Abbas-Rudbar-Jiruft to Bam and Kerman.—This route is also
greatly used by the local carriers especially during the winter and spring months.
Throughout the year, very few robberies have taken place on this route owing
to the good arrangements made by Zargham-us-Saltaneh through Rudbar, and
also owing to the presence of a strong Detachment of South Persia Rifles at Bam
which has kept in check the Balucb robber bands who formerly used to infest
this route, greatly to the detriment of trade.
(a) Kerman to Yezd via Bahramabad.—'Trade along this route has been
greatly harassed by Farsi robber bands consisting of Cbahar Rahis, Tutakis
Labu Mohammedis, etc., helped by the Shahr .Babakis. It is hoped that a
temporary check has been given to these robber bands by the operations carried
out Dy South Persia Rifles in October (for details see under South Persia Rifles)
Trade is also greatly hampered by the excessive illegal Rahdari fees levied
by the Qarasuran Department and in some places by the local chiefs.