Friday 13th of February 2009
Panthic Weekly News Bureau
| AMRITSAR SAHIB (KP)—In a strange twist, Punjab Police lashed out at young protestors at Jallianwala Bagh. The protest by college students, led by the Punjab Students Union and Punjab Naujawan Sabha, was held to air views against the renovation of certain parts of Jallianwala Bagh. A warning was already given to the Punjab Government in the past to stop construction at Jallianwala Bagh, however the protest was carried out due to the lack of a Government response. The Punjab Police showed no mercy when they attacked the students as well as women and elders. The police charged the protestors with batons and did not stop as the protestors took sanctuary inside Sri Harmandir Sahib. The protestors had demolished the much debated “light and sound” gallery built here recently. While speaking to the press, the student body led by Gurmukh Singh Mann alleged that the history of Jallianwala Bagh was being destroyed by the Punjab Government. The students raised objections over a newly constructed structure at Jallianwala Bagh and held that the Government was bent on destroying the history of The protesters belonging to the Punjab Students Union, who later paid obeisance at Harmandir Sahib and did ardas, later told the press that several students were forced out of Harmandir Sahib by the police and illegally beaten. In addition, over twenty five students, including eleven females, were arrested by the Police without warrant. Several eye witnesses also testified against such cruel brutalities of the police. Eyeing another wave of protests against the Government, Sukhbir Badal, deputy Chief Minister, has asked the Director General of the Police to investigate the incident and submit a report. He admitted that such an incident should have never have happened and apologized for the actions of the Police. The merciless beating of innocent students reminds many of the brutality by British troops against civilians who were massacred here ninety years ago. The incident resulted in almost four hundred casualties in about 10 minutes. Over the years, there have been complaints due to a lack of Government intervention in preserving the Bagh. Organizations have asked the Punjab Government to issue a proper investigation into the incident and to further stop any such constructions or renovation work without the consultation of experts. Modernization of historical landmarks will only result in damage to the golden history of |