SITUATION IN THE PUNJAB: LAHORE SHOPS TO OPEN

AN order has been issued by Lieut. Col. Johnson requiring all shops to be opened by 2 p.m. to-day (Thursday) in the Anarkali quarter. Troops and police have been detailed to see that the order is carried out. Further troops are arriving in Lahore and Forman Christian College and part of Government College buildings have been requisitioned for billeting. Moveable columns are ready to move at a moment’s notice. On Wednesday afternoon, in accordance with the demand issued, concerned owners reported at the Punjab Club to the number of about 50. Some, however, were slow in answering the call. There was marked improvement in the situation generally in the Punjab on Wednesday. Very few disturbances were reported and these were only of comparatively minor importance. Telegraph communication, however, was still much interrupted. Serious attacks have been made on the railway at Chuharkana and the line is believed to be out but no further details are available. An armoured trained was despatched there to deal with the situation. Many of the Native States are rendering valuable help in quitening the trouble of the people, notably Patiala, Jind, Nabha, Kapurthala and Baharalpur. A moveable column left Lahore on Wednesday to patrol the districts. Columns are also out from Amritsar and Ferozepore. Courts of summary jurisdiction are being established for the prompt trial and punish offenders against married law orders. These courts will be at the Fort, the Waterworks, the Delhi Gate and Anarkali Bazar Thane. Many shops were already open on Thursday morning.