GS Paul

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 25

Dedicated to the ensuing centenary of Jallianwala Bagh massacre, a special tableau will feature on the 70th Republic Day at Rajpath, New Delhi.

It is for the third time that a presentation from Punjab has found a place in the ceremony. An official said in 2017, it was ‘jaago tradition’, followed by ‘sangat te pangat’ in 2018. “Fortunately, this time among the 16 states and union territories participating in the highly patriotic parade at Rajpath, Punjab will be represented with the evocative presentation on the 100th year of Jallianwala Bagh massacre,” he said.

It is learnt that the trailer portion of the tableau will depict the scene when Gen Reginald Dyer had ordered firing on innocent people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh. Another portion will display a replica of the memorial built to commemorate the sacrifice of the martyrs.

A separate section has been built to showcase the ‘martyrs well’. The grille-mesh-covered well stands as a proof to the brutal killings on April 13, 1919, when hundreds of innocents had jumped into it in panic during the firing. As per records, 120 bodies were recovered from the well.

The Union government has also planned year-long celebrations to observe the massacre’s 100th year. Rajya Sabha MP Shwait Malik, who is also a trustee of the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust, said a special package had been spared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spruce up the historic place.

Malik said the development plan was on the tendering stage and the work would be started soon.

“It is probably for the first time that Jallianwala Bagh theme has been introduced in the parade. The Union government too has proposed to introduce coins and postal stamps to inculcate a feel of patriotism during the centenary celebrations. Another proposal is to introduce programmes like 7-D documentary depicting the massacre and its real-time feel through a light and sound show at the site.

Kanwar complains of breach of protocol

• Chandigarh: Kharar MLA Kanwar Sandhu has complained of the breach of protocol regarding the members of the Punjab Legislative Assembly (MLAs) at the flag-hoisting ceremonies organised by the state government on the occasion of Republic Day on Saturday.
• In a letter to Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, Kanwar Sandhu stated that the elected members of the Punjab Legislative Assembly (MLAs) continue to be ignored and overlooked during the celebrations of Republic Day, Independence Day and other such official functions.
• He said he had also made a reference to this during his earlier letter to the CM, dated December 10, 2018, on the role and responsibility of MLAs. TNS