Afridi Redshirt Rebellion, Indian North West Frontier 1930–1931 facts for kids
The Afridi Redshirt Rebellion was a military campaign in 1930 and 1931. It involved the British and Indian armies fighting against a group of Afridi tribesmen. This happened in the North West Frontier region, which was part of the British Raj (British-ruled India) and is now in Pakistan. The tribesmen were led by 'AJAB KHAN AFRIDI' and were known as the Redshirts.
Contents
Who Were the Afridis?
The Afridi people are a Pashtun tribe. They live in the border areas of Pakistan. Their homes are mainly in the Spin Ghar mountains, west of Peshawar, and the Maidan Valley in Tirah. Historically, the Afridis often had conflicts with the British and Indian Armies. This happened especially when India was expanding towards the Afghan border, like during the Anglo-Afghan Wars.
Why the Rebellion Started
In the summer of 1930, a rebellion began. It was started by some Afridi tribesmen, who called themselves 'AJAB KHAN AFRIDI' Redshirts. This uprising became a threat to the city of Peshawar. To deal with this, the British sent two large groups of soldiers, called Brigade Groups. Their job was to take control of the Khajuri Plain. This area is west of Peshawar and south of the famous Khyber Pass.
British Actions and Goals
The British forces had several goals. They wanted to make the area safer by building new roads and strong forts. This would help stop tribesmen from secretly entering Peshawar in the future. It was also a way to punish the Afridis. The Afridis usually used this low ground to graze their animals during the winter months.
On October 17, 1930, the British-led soldiers moved into the Tirah Valley. They crossed at a place called Bara, which is about six miles from Peshawar. They then advanced another seven miles to Miri Khel. At Miri Khel, they built a strong, fortified camp. From this camp, they carried out their operations against the Afridi tribesmen.
End of the Campaign
The military campaign continued for several months. On January 16, 1931, the British and Indian forces withdrew. They had successfully completed their mission. Soldiers from the British and Indian Armies who took part in this campaign received a special medal. It was called the India General Service Medal with a clasp that said "North West Frontier 1930-31."
