abstract - Zomi Online Library

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(2) Raids committed by the Siyin tribe in Kale territory.
(3) The encouragement of trade between Chins and Shans on the east and between Chins an Chittagong on the
west of the Tashon tract.
(4) The advance of an exploring party through the Tashon tract to examine and report on trade routes through
the Tashon tract to Chittagong.
With regard to the recognition of the Sawbwa Maung Pa Gyi, Sonpek remarked that the whole of Burma belonged to
the British Government, and that the British Government could of course nominate whomever they pleased as Sawbwa.
He and his people were quite willing to recognize the Sawbwa in possession as ruler of the Kale country. No raids had
been committed by the Siyin tribe since some members of his tribe had been interviewed at Indin in March 1887. This
cessation of raids was attributed, to a great extent, to the influence excercised by Sonpek over Chins of the Siyin
tribes, and Sonpek was congratulated on the success which had so far attended his intervention between the Siyin
Chins and the people of Kale. Hope was expressed that he would succeeded in preventing all raids in future and that in
case the Siyin tribe should recommence raiding he would do his utmost to help the Sawbwa to resist. Sonpek replied
that he had not sufficient authority over the Siyins and the Sagyilains to stop raids and that he could not undertake to
restrain them, but that in case raids should recommence he would willingly give all assistance in his power to the
Sawbwa.
Captain Raikes explained to Sonpek that we were anxious to encourage trade not only in Burma, but also in
Chittagong and now that the British owned all the country on the east and west of his tract, it would undoubtedly be a
good thing, and advantageous for all parties concerned, that trade should be equally maintained with Chittagong on one
side, and with Kale and the Chindwin on the other. With a view to ascertaining how this trade could best be developed,
Captain Raikes was anxious to learn all particulars about the existing trade route and to visit it himself. Sonpek
remarked that the question of a trade route between Kale and Chittagong through his country had never been raised by
Burmese officials sent by the King of Burma or by the Kale Sawbwa. Captain Raikes replied that he knew that to be the
case, and that the reason why no such proposal had previously been made was easily explained. When the last
interview was held several years before, the Kale and Chindwin country belonged to the Burmese, while Chittagong
belonged to the British; now, however, the whole country on both sides belonged to us and it was only natural that we
should wish to open our trade.
Sonpek said that he was not prepared to answer any questions about the route; that such a route existed he had no
doubt, but he knew nothing personally about it, and he considered it unadvisable that any advance should be made
through the Tashon hills at present. He wished for time to consider the matter and he wished to consult the other
Tashon Chiefs who were not at the durbar. He did not intend actually to object to the British Government sending a
party through his country, but it was impossible for him to guarantee the safety of that party; his territory was
extensive, the people wild, and he had no means of ensuring safety to life and property. If he gave any promise to the
effect that a party sent by the British Government through his country would not be molested, he would be accused of
treachery if afterwards the party met with any opposition. He therefore declined to say anything except that, so far as
he was personally concerned, he had no objection to a party passing through his country, provided that he were relieved
from responsibility in case the party met with opposition. He protested, however, against any advance being made
immediately, or until he had had time to consult with the other Chiefs and to thoroughly prepare his people for our visit.
Sonpek also said that he was not in a position to give any particulars as to the country to the west of the Tashon
tract. He did not know whether the Tashon tract adjoined Chittagong, or whether there were other tracts and tribes
between Tashon and Chittagong, and he begged that no more questions might be asked as he was not accusstommed
to long interviews. The proceedings then terminated with a large distribution of presents, which Sonpek at first refused
to accept, saying that he did not wish for presents, that he had brought none himself(he brought two baskets full of
rotten eggs), and that all he wanted was to make the acquaintance of Captain Raikes. After a good deal of talking he
accepted the presents for himself and the other Chiefs. Major Macgregor, who was present throughout the interview,
allowed the Gurkhas who accompanied the party to fire two volleys and five rounds of independent firing. The Chins
were astounded at the effect of the two volleys on a target at 500 yards.