Section 144 Imposed In Amritsar Ahead Of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Centenary

Amritsar: The Amritsar Police has imposed Section 144 in the city, prohibiting the assembly of five or more people without permission ahead of the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, reported The Indian Express.

The order will be in force in Amritsar city till June 17.

The police said the order has been issued in anticipation of a threat to life and property by outfits planning rallies and protests across the city. “It has come into my notice that in Amritsar district some political, farmers and other organisations have been planning gatherings, rallies, protest, and dharnas and trying to incite the emotions of common people and create fear of damage to public and private property and law and order of the city,” the deputy commissioner of police said in the order issued on Tuesday.

“So it is best to take the necessary steps to maintain the law and order and protect the life and property of common people,” added the DCP.

Noteworthy, on April 13, 1919, British Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer had opened fire on unarmed people at Jallianwala Bagh, who had gathered there on the occasion of Baisakhi festival. While General Dyer said 379 people were killed, the Indian National Congress had pegged the toll at over 1,000

Several events are lined up to mark the 100th anniversary of the tragedy on Saturday. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh is expected to take part in a candle march in Amritsar on April 12 while Vice President Venkaiah Naidu will be addressing a gathering at the Jallianwala Bagh on April 13.

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