Jallianwala Bagh Massacre’s 104th Anniversary: What happened, why should we always remember this day

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which happened in Amritsar, Punjab on April 13, 1919, remains a poignant symbol of the atrocities inflicted upon the Indian people under British colonial rule. This tragic event served as a pivotal moment in India's fight for independence, as it fueled the country's demand for self-rule and liberation from British oppression.

What happened on April 13, 1919?

A tragic event unfolded at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, where thousands of peaceful Indian protestors had gathered to celebrate the spring festival of Baisakhi.


The area was surrounded by walls on all sides and had only one narrow entrance. Without warning, Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, the British officer in-charge of the Amritsar region, marched into Jallianwala Bagh with fifty armed soldiers and ordered them to open fire on the crowd.

The protestors had no idea that Dyer had decided to use force to disperse the gathering. The firing continued for approximately 10 minutes, killing an estimated 379 people and injuring over a thousand more.

Men, women, and children were among the indiscriminate victims of this senseless act of violence.

Rowlatt Act, 1919

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre occurred during a time of significant political turmoil in India. The British colonial government had recently passed the Rowlatt Act in 1919, a highly controversial piece of legislation that granted the government the power to arrest and detain Indian citizens without trial.

The Act caused widespread unrest and protests throughout the country, and in this context, a public gathering was organized at Jallianwala Bagh, a garden in Amritsar, to protest against the Act and show support for the leaders who had been arrested under its provisions. It was during this peaceful demonstration that the tragic events of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre unfolded.

Justice, Freedom and Human Rights

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is a tragic event that will forever remain a dark stain on the history of British colonial rule in India. Today, the site of the massacre stands as a solemn memorial, visited by thousands of people every year who come to pay their respects to the innocent victims who lost their lives in this tragic event.

The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during colonialism and the countless sacrifices made by Indians in their struggle for independence. As we reflect on the anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, we are reminded of the vital importance of standing up for justice, freedom and human rights.

FAQs

Q1:Why was the Rowlatt Act passed?
To suppress the increasing nationalist movement in the country.

Q2:What happened after the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?
INC declared a countrywide protest in response; Mahatma Gandhi launched his non-cooperation movement against British rule.