Punjab Assembly Passes Resolution Demanding Formal Apology From Britain For Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Coming close to the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the legislative assembly of Punjab unanimously passed a resolution yesterday (Wednesday, 20 February) calling for an apology from the government of the United Kingdom (UK) for the crime which resulted in the deaths and injuries of thousands, reports The Tribune.

The resolution was tabled by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra and won the support of all political parties.

"The tragic massacre of innocent protesters in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on April 13, 1919 remains one of the most horrific memories of British colonial rule in India. This shameful military action against locals peacefully protesting against the oppressive Rowlatt Act has since received worldwide condemnation," read the resolution.

The resolution goes on to say that the only way for the British government to properly acknowledge the atrocity was to issue a formal apology to the Indian people. It has recommended the state government to ask the centre to move forward with the demand for an official apology from the UK.

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre had taken place in Amritsar on 13 April 1919, when civilians on a peaceful protest against the Rowlatt Act were mercilessly fired upon by a contingent of British troops led by Colonel Reginald Dyer.