Page 473 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920

FOR THE YEAR 1910. 49

Tho death of Sardar Saiyid Khan, on April 23rd, is a distinct loss to Persian
Baluchistan; tho chief was one of the most popular and able rulcis in these
parts, besides being a faithful servant of the British Government. Tho capture
of Mir ShahdullaU of 13i rand seven followers at Charbar, on 27th March, follow-
cvl by the deportation of the captives to Basrah and thence to India had a^ good
clfcct on the country generally. This man was indirectly concerned in the
attack on Charbar station, (May 1915), and one of his brotheva was killed play-
in" a leading part for which he considered ho 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 tho Charbar bazaar, take
jjritish-lndian 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.
l’his man was released after a few months and it is reported that he and his
followers arc much impressed with all they saw and with the kind treatment they
received at the different stations during their detention.
The fort at Barapur and tho district has for the past few years been in
charge of the Chief of Gaih Avith the sanction of the ICerman-Persian authori­
ties, but during tho illness of Saiyid Khan preceding his death, conlrol over
this district was neglected, the consequence being that Bahrain Khan of
Dizak stepped in and refuses to vacate much to the indignation of Islam Khan
who, as previously stated, is controlling the affairs of Gaih during the minority
of Hussain Khan. Beyond threatening Bahrain 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
Dashtyari district.
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 bis uncle, the consequence being
that reports como 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 Bahrain Khan when the latter attacked and looted Mand and rendered
active assistance, hut sufficient evidence has never been forthcoming to prove the
charge. The chief himself indignantly denies ever having aDy connection with
the affair aud 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. Ouing 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
Baba district under the control of Sardar Asliraf and
Ahmad Khan.
The exportation of slaves from, the Mekran has practically ceased, no
reports concerning tho trade fiaving been
General.
received during the past year.
a ,8eneraJ condition of the country at the time of writing is satisfactory
all the leading Sardars well disposed towards us.
The date crop, owing to tho unseasonable rain9 during the early summer,
test fo t? a *a^ure ^ut the grain harvest was exceptionally good—the

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