The Punjab Assembly on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution seeking an apology from the British government for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra moved the resolution and the House led by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh unanimously passed it to mount pressure on the Centre for seeking a formal apology from the British government on the centenary of the massacre.
Historical records note that troops of the British Indian Army under the command of Colonel Reginald Dyer had fired on a Baisakhi gathering on April 13, 1919, without warning and continued to fire for 10 minutes even as they were trying to escape, while he blocked the main exit with his soldiers and armoured vehicles. Scores of people were killed in the incident.
"The tragic massacre of innocent protestors 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," the resolution said.
"However, its proper acknowledgement could only be by way of a formal apology by the British government to the people of India as we observe the Centenary of this great tragedy.
"This August House thus unanimously recommends to the state government to take up this matter with the government of India to impress upon the British government to officially apologise for the massacre of innocent people at Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar," it said.
Urging the Speaker of the Assembly to put the resolution to voice vote, Mohindra said, "In light of these facts it was high time for India to prevail upon the British government to tender an apology to assuage the bruised psyche of our countrymen and fellow Indian diaspora settled across the globe.
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