Jallianawala Bagh, 'a turning point' in Indian freedom struggle: Antony

Amritsar, Apr 14 (ANI): Paying tributes to martyrs of the Jallianawala Bagh massacre, Defence Minister AK Antony said he was proud as an Indian to be standing at the same place where over 20, 000 people had gathered, defying the draconian dictat of British forces.

At least 379 people had lost their lives and thousands were injured when Brigadier General Reginald Dyer ordered British troops to open fire on unarmed demonstrators in Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on April 13, 1919.

"It's a holy place for entire India as many freedom fighters had lost their lives for the cause of liberty," Antony said on Wednesday.

The Defence Minister described the Jallianawala Bagh as 'a turning point' in our freedom struggle and said the freedom struggle gathered momentum in subsequent years.

He appealed to the countrymen to rededicate themselves to achieve the unfulfilled aspirations of our forefathers- that of a strong, united and developed India.

Antony along with Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni and other dignitaries also dedicated a light and sound show to the people, depicting the massacre.

Hundreds of people from different parts of Punjab watched in pensive silence the depiction of a dark chapter of Indian history -- the Jallianawala Bagh massacre. (ANI)