Jallianwala massacre blot on British history: Envoy

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 13

UK High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith on Friday condemned the Jallianwala Bagh massacre on its 99th anniversary. Ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s Visit to the UK for the Commonwealth summit, Asquith was asked if the UK would tender an apology for the 13th April 1919 massacre. The High Commissioner in response reminded of former PM David Cameron’s message.

“When David Cameron visited Jallianwala Bagh in 2013, he said the massacre was a deep shame for British history, one that we should never forget. It is right that we must pay respect to all the people who lost their lives. British people condemn the events of the time,” said Asquith.

Cameron was the first British PM to visit the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial when he visited India in February 2013. “We must never forget what happened here, and we must ensure that the UK stands up for the right to peaceful protests,” wrote Cameron in the visitors’ book. However, he was criticised for stopping short of a full apology.

Asked about the UK’s action against Khalistani organisations, Asquith said, “If there is any evidence of incitement of violence, we take that very seriously and respond to it. It applies to Khalistan and any other. There should be no doubt about it.”