A History of Assam c21.48

c21.48

Troops were immediately called up from Sylhet and Kāmrup, and vigorous reprisals were undertaken. The hillmen, favoured by the difficult character of their country, offered a stout, though desultory, resistance. They brought off several counter-raids in the plains, but were gradually overborne; and, after suffering frequent defeats, one chief after another made his submission. On the 9th January 1833 the ringleader, Tirat Singh, surrendered himself, and a general pacification followed almost immediately. The chiefs were allowed to retain a large measure of independence; but they had to submit to the general control of a Political Agent, who was thenceforth stationed in the hills and dealt with all serious cases of a criminal nature. They had also to agree to the construction of such roads, bridges and roadside bungalows as might be considered necessary. The first Political Agent was Captain Lister, of the Sylhet Light Infantry, who held the post for more than twenty years.