Amritsar Chronicle, 14 April 1919

HORROR IN AMRITSAR: HUNDREDS KILLED IN PEACEFUL GATHERING

Amritsar – In an act of unparalleled brutality, British troops commanded by General Dyer opened fire on a peaceful, unarmed crowd at Jallianwala Bagh yesterday, April 13. Thousands had gathered for the Baisakhi festival and to peacefully protest the controversial Rowlatt Act. Eyewitnesses report General Dyer, without warning, ordered his soldiers to block the single main exit of the enclosed ground and fire directly into the dense multitude. The firing continued for approximately ten minutes, nearly exhausting ammunition. Panic and terror ensued as helpless people were trapped. While official casualty figures are awaited, hundreds are feared dead and many more critically wounded. This barbaric act, intended to instill terror, has instead sent shockwaves and outrage across the nation, marking a dark chapter and galvanizing the call for freedom from such tyrannical rule.