Portrait at Jallianwala gallery triggers row

Amritsar, July 19

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A portrait two of semi-naked women identical to those at Ajanta and Ellora caves at Jallianwala Bagh’s gallery has mired in controversy.

Ironically, these portrait have been placed adjacent to a portrait of Guru Nanak Dev and Sikh monarch Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The International Sarv Kamboj Samaj has complained to the Akal Takht and PM Narendra Modi, who is a chairman of the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust.

Shinder Pal Singh, president, Kamboj Samaj, said, “It is a matter of concern that such obnoxious portraits have been installed at a pious monument. We urge the Akal Takht and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to punish the guilty.” The renovation work was being supervised by Rajya Sabha MP Shwait Malik, who is also a member of the Trust.

Malik said, “I have got it verified through officials concerned, who deny having any such portrait. Some mischievous elements have circulated morphed pictures.”

Sunil Kapoor, great grandson of Lala Vasu Mal Kapoor, who was shot dead on April 13, 1919, said the PM should take action against the guilty officials. Recalling the killing of his grandfather Lala Hari Ram in the massacre, Mahesh Behl, said, “The originality of the site has been destroyed in the name of renovation. What do they want to portray by setting up portraits of semi-nude women in the gallery?”

Vikas Hira, SDM, Amritsar-1, who visited the Bagh today said, “It’s a routine visit. The ‘portrait’ controversy has come to my notice. The higher authorities are working on it.” — TNS