Question

Why was martial law imposed in Amritsar in 1919

Answer 1

In 1919 gandhiji decided to launch satyagraha against the rowlatt act passed bu the Imperial legislative council. So rallies were organised, workers went on strike and shops close down. Police in amritsar fired upon a peaceful procession, provoking widespread attacks on banks, post office etc. Therefore martial law was imposed and general dyer took command

Answer 2

First the definition “Rowlatt Acts, (February 1919), legislation passed by the Imperial Legislative Council, the legislature of British India. The acts allowed certain political cases to be tried without juries and permitted internment of suspects without trial. Their object was to replace the repressive provisions of the wartime Defence of India Act (1915) by a permanent law. They were based on the report of Justice S.A.T. Rowlatt’s committee of 1918”.
Emergency required emergency measures. British liked to over do things. The Rowlatt Act started a rebellion. Much to the regret of Punjab, the Rowlatt Act was passed and immediately agitation started in the Punjab. The agitation was not violent, when the British decided to deal with it in a total ruthless manner. The famous Sir Michael O’Dwyer was responsible for the Jallianbagh tragedy, where thousands were gunned down without any mercy. The locals had to respond too. For instance in Amritsar five Europeans were murdered and one lady assaulted in an indecent way. Railway Stations, even Churchs were burned in the agitation. The British took it as open rebellion and decided to punish Punjab forever. The over reaction was obvious.

Can you believe that in the declaration of Martial law on 15th April, 1919, all hell broke loose! More than ten thousand persons were rounded about and Martial law courts sentenced people to death and life imprisonment. Properties of various people were confiscated at will. The Commanding Officer in Lahore was Lt Colonel Frank Johnson. Some prominent people in Lahore like Dr Dura Chand and Lal Harkishen Lal were taken to task. Death was announced for many of them. A Muslim Dr Saifuddin Kichlew of Amritsar was sentenced to life imprisonment. There is a record of a long list of persons hanged to death or imprisoned for life. And most of these people were highly educated and professionals of their field.

Bar at Law sentenced for life

Can you believe that in this Martial Law the British resorted to bombing certain areas by aero planes. YES BOMBING THE LOCAL POPULATION. The gimmick guy who are quick to attack our Pak Army fail to even read about the atrocities commit’ed by the British in Punjab as well as in Lahore.

Rowlatt Act and the Jallianbagh tragedy finally resulted in the obvious. The start of the demise of the British rule in the region. When the public is not with you, result of force is obvious. Here in Pakistan we are all cheering the Pak Army in getting rid of the Khawarajs of Pakistan. Well done Pak Army! We cheer you all the time. Our Martial laws are the most democratic and people friendly in history.