The Massacre Unites Indians, Across Religions

In the aftermath of Jallianwala Bagh massacre, General Reginald Dyer was offered the honorary title of ‘Sardar’ by the mahant of the Golden Temple.

- Vijaya Pushkarna

This ignited the formation of the Babbar Akali movement, a militant group that broke away from the mainstream Akali movement, who advocated violence for gurdwara reforms. British officers and their Indian informers became the targets of this secret group. This movement of the 1920s inspired the Babbar Khalsa secessionist movement of the 1980s.

However, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh says that unlike secessionist movements, the real idea of Jallianwala Bagh is “to unite people of all religions as the victims included Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims”. Singh adds that he often gets letters from people all over the country with regard to Jallianwala Bagh. “It was a tragic day that every Indian connects to, even today,” he says. Edited excerpts:

How do you plan to commemorate the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre?

I have personally directed the department of tourism and cultural affairs to observe the day in a sombre, nonpartisan manner, as a befitting tribute to the martyrs.

We have also written to the prime minister and asked the ministry of culture to assist the state government in this regard. The Jallianwala Bagh monument is under the administrative control of a trust headed by the prime minister.