Vishav Bharti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 4

Kin of Jallianwala Bagh martyrs feel led down by the government. They say those who “betrayed” freedom struggle now control the Jallianwala Trust and question the hold of the Mukherjee family over the management for the past 100 years.

Sunil Kapoor, great-grandson of martyr Wasoo Mal, who is also president of the Jallianwala Bagh Freedom Fighters’ Foundation, says: “Before the centenary events, the Bagh was under the control of the Union Government, but it did nothing. Now they have demolished the historic well too. When dubious politicians can make it to Trust, why not relative of a martyr? It must not be forgotten the memorial was raised with small collections from commoners.”

Satpal Sharma, bedridden grandson of martyr Amin Chand, wanted a wheelchair to attend the centenary function in April, but none paid heed. Critical of the Mukherjee family, he recalls: “Once Sukumar Mukherjee (Trust secretary) questioned my credentials. He asked if there was a photograph to prove my grandfather was part of the freedom struggle. My grandfather took bullets on his chest. History bears testimony to the fact.”

Agrees Mahesh Behal, the grandson of martyr Hari Ram Behal. “The Jallianwala Bagh must be freed from the clutches of politicians.”

SK Mukherjee, who is away to Kolkata, refused to comment on the matter.

About Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act, 1951

• Following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, fear gripped Punjab, people were scared to contribute to raising a memorial
• But Mahatma Gandhi’s offer to sell Sabarmati Ashram proved to be a turning point and funds started pouring in
• In 1920, Madan Mohan Malaviya was appointed Jallianwala Bagh Memorial Trust president
• The memorial now is managed by the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust, which was set up under the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act, 1951
• Besides other things, the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2019, passed in the LS on August 2 seeks to remove the Congress president from the list of trustees

The Mukherjees

Sukumar Mukherjee’s father Sashti Charan Mukherjee was founder-secretary of the Trust. His father Uttam Charan Mukherjee too was Trust secretary. He himself was made secretary in 1988. As per the rules, the secretary implements the decisions of the Trust.