After a century Britain accepts Jallianwala Bagh massacre as “shameful scar” but still not tendered apology

April 13: A 103 years ago on this day, our beloved freedom fighters were martyred at Jallianwala Bagh. A horrific massacre, a stain on civilisation, that day of sacrifice can never be forgotten by India. At this solemn moment, the nation paid rich tribute to the immortals of Jallianwala Bagh.

Hundred years on, the United Kingdom is yet to give a full apology for the gruesome attack on unarmed protesters in Amritsar. However, British Prime Minister Theresa May had in 1919 said that the United Kingdom “deeply regrets” the 1919 massacre and called it a “shameful scar” on the British-Indian history.

A century ago, British forces led by Brigadier General Reginald Dyer opened fire on hundreds of unarmed, innocent Indians, including women and children, who were protesting peacefully against the oppressive Rowlatt Act of the British government on April 13, 1919 at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. The number of casualties on April 13, 1919 is unclear, with colonial-era records showing 379 deaths while Indian figures put the number at closer to 1,000.

However, the irony of the fact is that when on one hand candle light march took place at Amritsar paying rich homage to the martyrs, on the other none really seemed to be seriously concerned about those freedom fighters who laid down their lives on this very day 103 years ago for the liberation of the country.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has paid tributes to those martyred in Jallianwala Bagh on this day in 1919. Modi has also shared his last year’s speech at the inauguration of the renovated complex of Jallianwala Bagh Smarak. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “Tributes to those martyred in Jallianwala Bagh on this day in 1919. Their unparalleled courage and sacrifice will keep motivating the coming generations.”