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Apr

Should Not Britain Apologise For Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

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The demand for a formal apology for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre has resurfaced, with British MP Bob Blackman raising the issue. Former MP and Chairman of the National Minorities Commission, Tarlochan Singh, has urged British MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi to support this demand in the House of Commons.

Comparisons are drawn with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 2016 apology for the Komagata Maru incident, where hundreds of Indian immigrants were denied entry to Canada and sent back to a violent fate. Trudeau admitted Canada’s role in implementing discriminatory laws and extended a formal apology. However, despite repeated demands, Britain has yet to move beyond expressing "regret."

The Historical Context

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, occurring on April 13, 1919, was a turning point in India’s independence struggle. British forces, under Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer, fired indiscriminately on an unarmed crowd gathered in Amritsar, killing and injuring thousands. The massacre became a symbol of colonial oppression and ignited resistance against British rule.

Key Issues to Consider

  • State Terrorism: Did the massacre mark the birth of state-sponsored violence against civilians?
  • Justice for Martyrs: Has India done enough to honor those who lost their lives?
  • Rituals vs. Real Acknowledgment: Are mere ceremonies sufficient, or is a formal apology necessary?
  • Role of Media: How did censorship shape public perception during and after the massacre?
Column at a Glance
The demand for a formal apology from Britain for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre has gained momentum, with British MP Bob Blackman and former MP Tarlochan Singh advocating for recognition in the House of Commons. The massacre, which occurred on April 13, 1919, saw British troops kill thousands of unarmed Indians in Amritsar, marking a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence.
Tuesday Twist
By Prabhjot Singh
Comparisons are drawn to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 2016 apology for the Komagata Maru incident, highlighting Britain's reluctance to move beyond expressions of "regret." The article discusses the historical context, the role of media censorship, and the ongoing calls for justice and acknowledgment of the massacre's significance. Despite modernization efforts at the Jallianwala Bagh site, many argue that a formal apology from Britain is necessary to address historical injustices and reaffirm commitments to human rights.

The Role of the Press

Freedom of the press was severely curtailed after the massacre. The British imposed draconian censorship laws, and Kalinath Ray, then editor of The Tribune, was jailed for opposing the British narrative. Despite suppression, the media played a crucial role in exposing British atrocities and mobilizing nationalist sentiment.

A Gruesome Massacre That Changed History

Jallianwala Bagh was initially an insignificant space, but after the massacre, it became a symbol of colonial brutality. Many who attended the gathering were unaware of the impending bloodshed; some had arrived for Vaisakhi celebrations or a cattle fair. General Dyer, believing the crowd to be hostile, ordered his troops—comprising 25 Gurkhas and 25 Baluchis—to fire without warning. Approximately 1,650 rounds were fired, with local reports suggesting the death toll exceeded 1,000, far more than the 359-379 figure cited by British sources.

Historian V.N. Dutta pointed to Hans Raj, the chief organizer of the rally, as a possible government agent who prevented the crowd from dispersing. He allegedly signaled Dyer to open fire before disappearing, later being relocated to Mesopotamia by the British.

A Demand for Recognition

Despite its historical significance, Jallianwala Bagh and its martyrs have not received full justice. The recent renovation of the site may have modernized its appearance, but it does not erase the pain of those who lost loved ones. The British government has yet to offer an unconditional apology, in stark contrast to Canada's acknowledgment of its past mistakes.

During the massacre's centenary, Indian dignitaries performed ceremonial tributes, but the exact number of lives lost remains unknown. Some historians argue that the massacre was not just an act of colonial brutality but a deliberate move to instill fear in the growing independence movement.

The British Response

The British government has historically downplayed the massacre, attributing it solely to General Dyer’s rashness rather than acknowledging systemic colonial oppression. Many argue that Lieutenant Governor Sir Michael O’Dwyer also played a significant role in the events leading up to the massacre. The incident followed widespread violence after the arrest of Punjab leaders Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew and Dr. Satya Pal and the murder of five Europeans. The infamous Rowlatt Bills, which allowed the British to arrest and detain Indians without trial, further fueled resentment.

While Britain has condemned the massacre, it has stopped short of issuing a formal apology. In contrast, the world has redefined state terrorism, and Jallianwala Bagh remains a glaring example of the brutal misuse of power against innocent civilians.

A Growing Call for Apology

Every year, voices grow louder demanding Britain acknowledge its responsibility. Some believe the massacre was a result of a flawed colonial policy, while others see it as a premeditated act of terror. General Dyer’s actions were intended to "teach a lesson," ensuring Punjab would not become a hub of rebellion. However, his brutality only strengthened the resolve for independence, transforming figures like Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi into Mahatma Gandhi.

As history continues to judge the events of April 13, 1919, Britain faces a moral and diplomatic question: should it apologize for one of the most brutal massacres in colonial history? An apology would not undo the past but would be a step toward acknowledging historical wrongs and reaffirming a commitment to human rights and justice.

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