'Insult to martyrs': Netizens, politicians decry Jallianwala Bagh makeover

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday slammed the government over the new light and sound show and other modifications at Jallianwala Bagh, the site of a massacre in which over 1,000 people died 102 years ago, after several netizens criticized it.

"Only those who do not understand the meaning of martyrdom can insult martyrs in such a way. I am the son of a martyr, I cannot tolerate this insult of martyrs at any cost," Rahul Gandhi said in a tweet.

"We oppose this indecent cruelty," he said.

"Those who didn’t struggle for freedom can’t understand those who did," he added.

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— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 31, 2021

The renovated Jallianwala Bagh Smarak was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. The new features include the entrance gallery, through which General Dyer and his soldiers entered, being modified with sculptures, and a light and sound show. Several people criticized the modifications on social media.

Heartbreaking to see Jallianwala Bagh’s historic entrance permanently destroyed by way of renovation. Those walls told stories. Their plainness reminded Indian visitors of their own neighbourhoods, their own homes. https://t.co/CTn77e2omX

— Siddharth Singh (@siddharth3) August 29, 2021

What is there like celebration in Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where light and sound is needed? But I believe that those who have colluded with the British, how will they understand the horrors of these days.#BJPInsultsMartyrs pic.twitter.com/UnyHd5KNZv

— Ritik Mahali(?????? ?????? ) (@RitikMahali) August 31, 2021

A sound and light show at Jallianwala Bagh is a joke on those who were martyred protesting against the British#BJPInsultsMartyrs

— Luv Datta ?? ????? #INC ???????? (@LuvDatta_INC) August 31, 2021

It is Horrifying and Heartbreaking to see Jallianwala Bagh’s historic entrance permanently destroyed by way of renovation. Those walls told stories. .Their plainness reminded visitors of the great sacrifice by freedom fighters and the brutal power of a mad general. pic.twitter.com/fZN2Whp20x

— Dr Sharmila (@DrSharmila15) August 30, 2021

Construction workers 'repairing' the wall at Jallianwala Bagh. Bullet holes from April 13, 1919 can be seen covered with black patches.

The rest has been 'renovated' and will be visible during the 'song & light show'

"Ab bhi jiska khoon na khaula, khoon nahi woh paani hai..." pic.twitter.com/ikJbncFDhQ

— Sakshi (@MujeSakshiMaano) August 30, 2021

For this prime minister everything is Lightning-camera-action, Look here! This is our Jallianwala Bagh where thousands of innocent civilians have been killed, this is how you will remember our martyrs?

What a indecent, ridiculous and obscene pretence this is! pic.twitter.com/L78dhCO2bW

— Shyam Meera Singh (@ShyamMeeraSingh) August 30, 2021

On Monday, Communist Party of India (Marxist) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury also slammed the modifications calling it an insult to martyrs.

"Insulting our martyrs. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre of Hindus Muslims Sikhs who gathered together for Baisakhi galvanised our freedom struggle. Every brick here permeated the horror of British rule. Only those who stayed away from the epic freedom struggle can scandalise thus," he said.

Insulting our martyrs.
Jallianwala Bagh massacre of Hindus Muslims Sikhs who gathered together for Baisakhi galvanised our freedom struggle.
Every brick here permeated the horror of British rule.
Only those who stayed away from the epic freedom struggle can scandalise thus. https://t.co/KvYbl840qE

— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) August 30, 2021

On April 13, 1919, people had gathered in the Jallianwala Bagh to protest against the arrest of pro-Indian independence leaders Dr Saifuddin Kitchlu and Dr Satya Pal. In response to the public gathering, British Brigadier-General R E H Dyer surrounded the Bagh, sealed the only entrance, and fired on the crowd, leading to deaths of at least 1000 people and around 1200 people being wounded. (UNI)