On August 28, PM Modi inaugurated the renovated Jallianwala Bagh Complex in Amritsar, with fancy murals, glass covers, and a light and sound show.
The Jallianwala Bagh memorial in Amritsar stood for more than 100 years not just as a sombre remembrance of the cruel British Raj but also of the 'Bloodiest Baisakhi', the fateful day of April 13, 1919, when British soldiers opened fire at unarmed people.
These people gathered at the garden to protest the arrest of nationalist leaders Dr Satyapal and Saifuddin Kichlew over their agitation against the Rowlatt Act. More than 1,000 innocent Indians were martyred leaving many more injured. It was one of the most tragic chapters in India's freedom struggle.
On August 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the renovated Jallianwala Bagh Complex in Amritsar, with fancy murals, glass covers, and a light and sound show to display the 'horrific massacre'. However, many politicians to historians have criticised the move asking whether it is renovation or distortion of history.
Slamming the revamp, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had said only a person who does not know the 'meaning of martyrdom can inflict such an insult on the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh'. Some historians have also criticised the work terming it an 'insult towards the martyrs'.
Officials however defend the move saying the earlier structure was 'filthy' with defunct fountains which have now been restored, cleaned and a lily pond installed. The entire area has been landscaped making the place visually appealing.
1. Jallianwala Bagh complex entrance
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This is the Jallianwala Bagh complex entrance then and now after it has been transformed. Critics say that they haven't seen a more hideous transformation than this. As per them, worldwide experts try to maintain the texture, color and feel of historic buildings but this looks like a 'Jhaanki'.
2. Sankra Galiyara of Jallianwala Bagh
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The narrow lane or the Sankra Galiyara through which the British soldiers entered the Jallianwala Bagh and which was then blocked by them making it impossible for protesters to escape, now has shiny murals and sculptures depicting the martyrs.
3. Jallianwala Bagh site of massacre
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The famous ’Shahidi Khu’ or the 'Martyrs well' into which people jumped to escape the bullets, is now enclosed in a glass shield, which restricts the view of the visitors.
4. Bullet marks in Jallianwala Bagh
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Officials say the accusation that the bullet marks have even 'hidden' was false. The bullet marks have been conserved, they say.
5. 28-minute light and sound show
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What has replaced the solemnity of the site is a daily 28-minute light and sound show explaining the horrific massacre, free of cost every evening. Critics say what is particularly striking is the celebration of the tragedy and its glorification through fancy murals, a sound and light show, and other sculptures.
