CPM MP takes up Jallianwala Bagh issue with PM Modi

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 11

CPI (M) Lok Sabha MP MB Rajesh has drawn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attention to the non-functional light-and-sound show at the historic Jallianwala Bagh massacre site due to lack of funds.

Modi is also the chairperson of the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial National Trust.

Rajesh, who is a son of an army officer, and was born in Jalandhar, in a letter to Modi urged him to ensure that sufficient funds are made available to the Trust to resume the light-and-sound show and other necessary facilities.

In the letter, he narrated his bitter experience on visiting Jallianwala Bagh site with his family to allow his two daughters to learn about the patriotic sacrifices of brave people rendered in that historic land.

After showing the site to his daughters, the MP enquired about the light-and-sound show that used to be conducted there and found that the event has been abandoned.

"I was told by the staff that the same has been abandoned due to paucity of funds. This shocked, ashamed and saddened me. Jallianwala Bagh, where hundreds were mercilessly murdered by the British, symbolises unparalleled sacrifice in our history," the letter said.

"I strongly feel that citing lack of funds in maintaining such a living memorial of our freedom struggle is unpardonabale," Rajesh added. 

He said the memorial is maintained and looked after by the Ministry of Culture. Further, this neglect should not have happened, especially when the Jallianwala Bagh Memorial National Trust is headed by the PM.

He suggested to Modi to let "our children learn patriotism from the true and factual lesson of the freedom struggle".   

Talking to The Tribune, Rajesh said he has written a letter to Modi as a last resort as he tried several times to raise the issue in Lok Sabha, but in vain due to disruptions in the House. He had also submitted notice to the office of Speaker Sumitra Mahajan to be allowed during Zero Hour, but to no avail.