New Delhi, April 13 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu on Monday honored the courageous freedom fighters who gave their lives at Jallianwala Bagh, asserting that the nation will always be indebted to them.

President Murmu shared her tribute on social media platform 'X', stating, "I honor all the brave freedom fighters who laid down their lives at Jallianwala Bagh. This tragic event revived the spirit of our nation, igniting a steadfast determination for independence. Our gratitude towards them will never fade. I believe their unwavering patriotism will motivate all of us to pursue national service with earnestness and commitment."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his sentiments on 'X', saying, "On this day in 1919, I remember and pay my sincere respects to all the innocent Indians who lost their lives in the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Their sacrifice marked a significant chapter in India’s fight for freedom, awakening the collective consciousness of our nation. Their bravery continues to inspire future generations to uphold justice, dignity, and self-respect."

April 13, 2026, marks the 107th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, a somber yet transformative moment in India's journey towards sovereignty.

Over a century ago, on this fateful day in 1919, the brutal actions of British colonial rulers created an everlasting impact on the Indian independence movement. This calamity served as a clarion call for the populace, exposing the harsh realities of foreign domination and altering the trajectory of the freedom struggle indefinitely.

The incident unfolded during the Baisakhi festival, when thousands of defenseless men, women, and children gathered at Amritsar’s Jallianwala Bagh to celebrate the Sikh New Year. Unbeknownst to them, the British administration had imposed Martial Law, which prohibited public gatherings and enforced strict curfews. This lack of communication led to an unforgettable tragedy.

On April 13, 1919, as the crowd celebrated, Colonel Reginald Dyer, the Acting Brigadier, arrived with his troops. Without any warning or opportunity for the attendees to disperse, he commanded his forces to fire upon them.

Dyer's troops, equipped with two armored vehicles armed with machine guns, along with Gurkha and Baluchi soldiers wielding Scinde rifles, relentlessly unleashed fire on the crowd for 10 to 15 minutes.

In total, over 1,650 rounds were discharged upon the helpless victims.

While official accounts later reported 379 fatalities and approximately 1,200 injuries, the actual death toll is believed to exceed 1,000, with countless more injured.

The massacre took place in Jallianwala Bagh, a walled garden surrounded on three sides by buildings, making escape nearly impossible as the sole entry point was overcrowded.

This atrocious incident, also referred to as the Amritsar Massacre, was a shocking act of violence that marked a pivotal moment in India’s struggle for independence.