LOOSHAI. December, 1871–February, 1872.
Reading edition
The Looshais, a predatory tribe inhabiting the hilly country to the north-east of Chittagong, had long been a trouble to the Indian Government. Their constant raids on villages under British protection,[148] which they plundered and destroyed, was the cause of an expedition being sent against them in December, 1871. A force of three regiments, with Artillery and Sappers, and a Coolie Corps, under the command of General Bourchier, operated from Cachar, and a smaller column, under General Brownlow, from Chittagong. The enemy, armed with old muskets, bows and arrows, spears, and knives, showed a bold front, and their mode of fighting in their dense jungles and trackless hills was much in their favour.
But General Bourchier steadily advanced among steep and wooded hills, by rugged paths winding along the face of precipices, capturing village after village by storm, and destroying them with the stores of grain they contained, till the Looshais begged for a cessation of hostilities. This was granted, but the enemy suddenly resumed the offensive, and after a few more skirmishes, in one of which the General was wounded, the stronghold of Poiboi, the Looshai leader, situated on a hill 8,500 feet in height, was taken and burnt; and the head men of the tribe agreed unconditionally to the terms of peace dictated to them by General Bourchier.
The column returned to Cachar in March, 1872, and was broken up.[149] No British troops were engaged in this affair, but the medal and clasp were given to the Native regiments and their European officers.
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