Jallianwala Bagh Massacre's 105th Anniversary: The tragedy that transformed India
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One of the darkest events in the history of India that still gives chills down the spine is none other than the infamous Jallianwala Bagh massacre. This brutal event saw the ruthless killing of approximately 379 innocent individuals, with over 1000 suffering from grave injuries. Serving as a turning point in India's struggle for independence, this horrific incident intensified the nation's yearning for independence and liberty from British authority.
April 13, 1919, one of the unfortunate days in India's independence war, also happens to be the day of the festival of Baisakhi. However, this auspicious occasion swiftly transformed into a chilling reminder of one of the most horrific incidents in history. This year commemorates the 105th anniversary of the massacre, underscoring the importance of paying homage to the invaluable lives sacrificed in the struggle against British oppression, which ultimately led to India's freedom.
Unveiling the adversity: Series of events that led to the massacre
Rowlatt Act: In March 1919, the British government enacted the Rowlatt Act, a deeply contentious law enabling authorities to arrest and detain Indian citizens indefinitely without trial. As a response to this act, a series of protests were carried out throughout the country. Following the suit, Mahatma Gandhi, a prominent anti-colonial nationalist, called for a nationwide 'hartal' (halting work-related activities) on April 6, 1919.
Violence broke out: The protest set out by Mahatma Gandhi, which was thought to be a peaceful moment, descended into violence when two well-known Indian leaders - Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satyapal, were detained and exiled in Amritsar for planning demonstrations against the law. As a consequence, widespread fury and dissatisfaction began to surge across India.
'D-Day'- 13 April 1919: On April 13, 1919, a multitude of individuals assembled at Jallianwala Bagh, a public park in Amritsar, to observe the widely celebrated Sikh festival of Baisakhi, to voice their opposition against the act, and to provide their support to the leaders who had been detained under its terms.
The British officer in charge of the Amritsar district, Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, entered Jallianwala Bagh with fifty armed soldiers without giving any notice, blocked the garden's sole narrow entrance and issued an order to open fire on the unarmed mob. The ruthless shooting persisted for approximately ten minutes until all 1,650 rounds of ammunition were depleted.
This brutal act claimed the lives of innocent men, women and children, resulting in an estimated death toll of 379 individuals and leaving over a thousand more injured.
The aftermath
The horrific tragedy provoked intense anger in India, which in turn strengthened the country's demand for independence. The Indian government established the ‘Hunter Commission’ to look into the events and disturbances that occurred in Punjab after the heinous incident.
Two prominent Indian figures, Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi, rejected the titles bestowed upon them as a means to protest against the British colonial administration. While the majority criticised General Reginald Dyer's actions, the Lieutenant Governor of Punjab, Michael O'Dwyer, staunchly supported his brutal act. On March 13, 1940, Michael O'Dwyer was assassinated at London's Caxton Hall by freedom fighter Udham Singh, who was also wounded during the carnage in the Bagh. Soon after, General Dyer was also relieved of his duties in 1920.
Although this episode surely marks a terrible and tragic chapter in Indian history, it also gave rise to a large number of youthful freedom warriors who later fought for India's independence. On August 15, 1945, as a result of these fighters' persistent efforts and perseverance, the British resigned their dominion over India, marking a momentous day of independence for the Indian populace.
Long live India!
As we commemorate the 105th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, festival of Baisakhi, Rowlatt Act, Saifuddin Kitchlew, Satyapal, D-Day, General Reginald Dyermassacre, it is imperative to recognise the importance of freedom and human rights. Let us pay tribute to all the people who sacrificed their lives for this freedom, honour their efforts and make the most of the acquired freedom and privileges for the good of our nation.
