Time UK apologises for Jallianwala: Khan

GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 6

London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who arrived in Amritsar on Tuesday on the last leg of his India visit, paying tributes to Jallianwala Bagh martyrs today, said it was time the British Government apologised for the tragedy that "one must never forget."

Khan's grandparents were born in India. His parents migrated from Pakistan to the UK.

The Mayor stopped at the ‘martyrs' well’ for a couple of minutes and made enquiries. Laying a wreath at the Flame of Liberty memorial, he observed a one-minute silence. "It was incredibly moving to visit Jallianwala Bagh," he told mediapersons.

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Prior to the Jallianwala Bagh visit, Khan paid obeisance at the Golden Temple, ate langar and undertook 'sewa' by washing utensils. “It was an absolute privilege to be in Amritsar. Going to Golden Temple was very important for me as it is spiritual home for thousands of Sikh Londoners and millions of Sikhs around the world," he said.

Received by SGPC chief secretary Dr Roop Singh, the dignitary was presented with a replica of the Golden Temple, siropa (robe of honour) and books on Sikhism. Along with his 16-member delegation, he crossed over to Pakistan via the Attari-Wagah border later in the day.

Responding to Khan's suggestion, Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh said: "Coming from a British Government functionary, it was good, and if implemented, would go a long way in strengthening ties between India and the UK, and perhaps, to some extent, assuaging the wounds of Indians who suffered the pain of Independence struggle."