British Prime Minister Theresa May Regrets Jallianwala Bagh Massacre But Doesn’t Issue Apology
13th April 1919 is one of the darkest and saddest days in the history of India. The day witnessed the most tragic incident known as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where a large crowd of innocent Indians was brutally killed by British forces led by Colonel Reginald Dyer.
Several Indians had gathered at the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar to protest peacefully against the Rowlatt Acts passed by the government in early 1990. Trying to take advantage of this large gathering, Dyer and his men arrived and sealed the only exit the Jallianwala Bagh had followed by merciless firing by British troops resulting in a deadly bloodbath.
According to the estimate, 379 Innocent Indians were killed whereas more than 1200 were injured.
Even after 100 years of the dreadful incident, Indians have not gotten an apology from Britain until now. Current Prime Minister of Britain Theresa May has now said that the United Kingdom “regrets” the horrible act of mass killing.
While speaking at the House of Commons, May called the incident a “shameful scar” in the Indo-Britain relationship. She also added that it is an example of Britain’s bitter history with India. She said,
“The tragedy of Jallianwala Bagh of 1919 is a shameful scar on British Indian history. As Her Majesty the Queen (Elizabeth II) said before visiting Jallianwala Bagh in 1997, it is a distressing example of our past history with India.”
As per the report of NDTV, Theresa May also wished to continue the smooth relationship between the two nations. However, when opposition Labour Party asked May to issue a “full, clear and unequivocal apology” for Jallianwala Bagh massacre, she didn’t respond.
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It is good to see Britain showing its concern over the horrific incident, we can’t ignore the fact that there was not one mention of the word “apology” in her speech. Even after 100 years, Britain is offering a mere statement.
