Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday led the nation in paying tribute to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which took place on this day in 1919 while the country was under British rule.
In his message posted on Twitter, Prime Minister Modi talked of those who died in the event, saying that "their unparalleled courage and sacrifice will motivate future generations".
He also shared the speech he made when the renovated complex of the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial was inaugurated last year.
PM Modi pays tribute to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
© Photo : Twitter/ @narendramodi
At the same time, Rahul Gandhi, leader of the country's main opposition party, Congress, paid tribute to the martyrs and said "the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh showed the world the cruelty of an autocratic regime".
Congress politician Rahul Gandhi pays tribute to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
© Photo : Twitter/@RahulGandhi
Various federal ministers, prominent politicians, and netizens also remembered those who died on this day.
Federal Home Minister Amit Shah said in a tweet in Hindi: "I bow before the courage and valour of the immortal martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, which is a symbol of the ruthlessness and brutal atrocities of foreign rule".
"Their dedication, and sacrifice for the freedom of Mother India will continue to inspire coming generations to give up their life for the unity and integrity of the country", he added.
Federal Home Minister Amit Shah remembers the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
© Photo : Twitter/@AmitShah
Federal Minister Dharmendra Pradhan pays tribute to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
© Photo : Twitter/@dpradhanbjp
Assam State Chief pays tribute to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
© Photo : Twitter/@himantabiswa
Ex-State Chief of Punjab pays tribute to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
© Photo : Twitter/@capt_amarinder
Twitter user pays tribute to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
© Photo : Twitter/@Rajkarangill8
Another Twitter user pays tribute to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
© Photo : Twitter/@drharpalselhi
Netizen pays tribute to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
© Photo : Twitter/@Oye_jahazi
In 1919, following the orders of Colonel Reginald Dyer, British troops fired at hundreds of unarmed protesters and pilgrims. They had gathered in Jallianwala Bagh (a garden) to celebrate the Punjabi festival of Baisakhi, and oppose the arrest of two prominent freedom fighters by British rulers.
According to British government records, a total of 379 people including men, women, and children were killed and 1,200 were wounded in the incident. However, media reports suggested that more than 1,000 people died in the firing.