British Lawmaker Demands Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Apology
Break10 Web Desk: British lawmaker Bob Blackman has called upon the United Kingdom (UK) government to issue a formal apology for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Blackman, in a recent House of Commons session, emphasized the significance of acknowledging this dark chapter in British colonial history.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is a tragic event that occurred in Amritsar on 13 April, 1919. The British colonial forces opened fire on a peaceful gathering, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of unarmed civilians, and injuring over a thousand others.
Blackman recounted how families had assembled peacefully at Jallianwala Bagh when Gen Reginald Edward Harry Dyer ordered troops to fire until ammunition was exhausted, leading to around 1,500 dead and 1,200 injured. Blackman said, “It makes me sad and ashamed that this was done in our name. It is time we own up to it and that we made an apology and suitable reparation.”
The call for an apology has garnered cross-party support. Lawmaker Virendra Sharma highlighted the massacre’s profound impact on Indian perceptions of British rule. He noted, “Jallianwala Bagh set in motion the forces that ultimately secured independence.” He also advocated for the inclusion of this event in British educational curricula to foster a comprehensive understanding of colonial history.
As the anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre approaches, the debate over issuing a formal apology continues. Proponents argue that an official acknowledgment would not only honour the memory of the victims but also strengthen the relationship between the UK and India.
