IT has been officially learned in New Delhi that Major Donald, British Political Agent in the North-West Frontier, who was kidnapped by the Bromi Khel Tribe in June last and was later released after payment of a ransom and a guarantee of an immunity deposit, totalling Rs. 1,50,000, though the Mahsud Tribe has committed suicide by shooting himself.

…[T] he Government of India … admitted that it was after [Major Donald and his companions’] release had been secured by this means that punitive action involving a month-long bombing of tribal territory had been adopted.

It is learned that Major Donald had received very … considerate treatment at the hands of the tribesmen during his captivity, that he was aware of the circumstances in which his release had been secured and that he was … of the opinion that the advance to the Mahsuds of the Rs. 50,000 demanded by the Bromi Khel as deposit for a guarantee of immunity virtually pledged the Government that no harsh reprisals would be resorted to. The subsequent action of the Government, which resulted in untold suffering, including loss of life to the tribesmen concerned, preyed on his mind and he was never the same afterwards.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2021