'A dark chapter in history': PM Modi pays homage to Jallianwala Bagh victims on Baisakhi

PM Modi, on Sunday, extended warm Baisakhi greetings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Sunday, extended his heartfelt greetings to the people on the occasion of Baisakhi as well as paid solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, calling their sacrifice a “turning point” in India’s freedom struggle.

Taking to microblogging site X, the Prime Minister wrote, “Wishing everyone a joyous Baisakhi! May this festival bring new hope, happiness and abundance into your life. May we always celebrate the spirit of togetherness, gratitude and renewal".

Wishing everyone a happy Baisakhi! pic.twitter.com/kpuqcKO7vi

Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 13, 2025

Baisakhi, which marks the beginning of the harvest season and the first day of the month of Vaisakh, is celebrated with great fervour across Punjab and northern India.

Further remembering the victims of the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre on its anniversary, the Prime Minister said, “We pay homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. The coming generations will always remember their indomitable spirit.”

We pay homage to the martyrs of Jallianwala Bagh. The coming generations will always remember their indomitable spirit. It was indeed a dark chapter in our nations history. Their sacrifice became a major turning point in Indias freedom struggle. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 13, 2025

Describing the massacre as a “dark chapter” in India’s history, PM Modi emphasised its lasting impact on the Indian history. “It was indeed a dark chapter in our nation’s history. Their sacrifice became a major turning point in India’s freedom struggle,” he remarked.

On April 13, 1919, hundreds of unarmed civilians were killed when British troops opened fire on peaceful protestors gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. The protest was against the repressive Rowlatt Acts imposed by the colonial government.