A punitive force has been despatched against the Zakka Khels,
perhaps the most turbulent and dangerous tribe on the Indian frontier. For more than a year their raids into British territory have continued unchecked, property has been destroyed and stolen, and many innocent lives have been sacrificed. In the neighbourhood of Peshawar the inhabitants have been in a constant state of apprehension. The principle of holding all allied tribes responsible for the misbehaviour of any single tribe breaks down in this case, as the Zakka Khels refuse to be bound by any tribal obligations. The Afridi headmen, who were questioned recently by the Chief Com- missioner for the Frontier Province, confessed that they were unable to control the Zakka Khels, and consequently a punitive expedition is the only method of protecting British lives and property. It is believed that the expedition will operate in the Bazar Valley. One of the routes to Bazar passes through the valley of the Bara River; but as the Times suggests, perhaps the unhappy recollections of the fighting during the last campaign in this deep and narrow valley will cause it to be avoided. The expedition consists of three brigades and divisional troops, and is commanded by Sir James Willcocks.
