Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday paid homage to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh tragedy, whose centenary is being observed today.
British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith, who also visited the Jallianwala Bagh memorial in Amritsar wrote in the visitor's book that the events of Jallianwala Bagh reflect a shameful act in British-Indian history.
Mr. Gandhi along with Punjab Chief Minister Amaridner Singh and other Congress leader paid floral tributes at the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial.
“The cost of freedom must never ever be forgotten. We salute the people of India who gave everything they had for it. Jai Hind,” wrote Mr. Gandhi in the visitor's book at the Jallianwala Bagh memorial after paying homage to the martyrs. Mr. Gandhi also visited the Golden Temple, where he offered prayers at the Akal Takht, the highest temporal seat of Sikh religion.
On April 13, 1919, hundreds were killed and more than 1,200 injured after British troops led by Reginald Dyer opened fire on a peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.
Mr. Dominic Asquith, who visited the memorial to pay homage to those killed in Jallianwala Bagh , wrote “The events of Jallianwala Bagh 100 years ago today reflect a shameful act in British-Indian history. We deeply regret what happened and the suffering caused. I am pleased today that the UK and India have and remain committed to developing further a thriving 21st century partnership,” wrote Asquith in the visitors’ book at the memorial.
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu is also scheduled to visit Amritsar to pay homage.
Earlier on the eve of the centenary, Punjab Governor V.P.S Badnore and Capt. Amarinder participated in the candle light march in Amritsar. Terming the tragic event as a heart-wrenching moment in India’s history, Capt. Amarinder had on Friday, said that the people of India wanted an unequivocal apology from Britain for the atrocity.
