British Conservative MP Bob Blackman on Thursday said the UK government should tender an apology to India on the anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
Speaking in the UK Parliament, the MP said thousands of ‘innocent’ people died in the shooting incident at Jallianwala Bagh in India’s Punjab.
Blackman wrote on X: “Today, I raised the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. I asked the Govt to formally give an apology to the people of India ahead of the atrocities anniversary.”
In the video attached to his X post, the MP could be seen saying in the Parliament: “Now, on the 13th of April, 1919, families gathered very peacefully in the Jallianwala Bagh to enjoy the sun, enjoy a day out with their families. General Dyer, on behalf of the British Army, marched his troops in and ordered his troops to fire on those innocent people until they ran out of ammunition,” he said.
Who is Bob Blackman?
Bob Blackman has been the Conservative Member of Parliament for Harrow East since the 2010 General Election.
During this time Blackman has held several roles in the Conservative party and in Parliament, including Secretary of the 1922 Committee since 2015, being a Member of the Conservative Party Board since 2019, Member of 3 Select Committees, a Member of over 72 All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) and changed the law twice: first with his Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 and recently with his Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023, read the official website of the MP.
He was awarded a C.B.E in The King’s Birthday Honours List 2023 for his 37 years of continuous political and public service.
Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, took place on 13 April 1919.
A large number of people had assembled at the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar city to protest against the Rowlatt Act and the arrest of pro-Indian independence activists Saifuddin Kitchlew and Satyapal.
Responding to the peaceful protest, temporary brigadier general R. E. H. Dyer surrounded the people with his Gurkha and Sikh infantry regiments of the British Indian Army.
After blocking the only exit gate of the Jallianwala Bagh, Dyer directed regiment members to shoot down the protesters.
It is estimated that 1,500 people died in the shooting.
The massacre is considered one of the darkest episodes in the 200-year British rule over India.
Social media reaction
Several social media users reacted to the British MP’s demand and shared their reactions on X.
X user Naveen said: “Finally.”
Another user, Ramesh, said: “You spoke well. Though late, an apology would heal the wounds of those whose loved ones died. It was arrogance of the then British. Added, British rulers took away precious stones, Kohinoor diamond and many valuables that today are in British museum. Shame on you!”
