Bollywood actors Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Karan Johar have recently hit back at General Dyer’s granddaughter, Anita Anand, for calling the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre ‘looters’. The duo expressed their outrage and condemned her insensitive comments, which have caused widespread anger and disbelief.
Anita Anand, a historian and author, sparked controversy when she referred to the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre as ‘looters’ in a recent interview. She defended her grandfather, General Reginald Dyer, who ordered the brutal massacre of unarmed Indian civilians in 1919. Her comments have outraged many, especially as the nation marks the centenary of the tragic event.
Akshay Kumar, known for his patriotic roles and active involvement in social causes, took to Twitter to express his anger. He wrote, “The Jallianwala Bagh massacre was a heart-wrenching tragedy that scarred our nation forever. To call the innocent victims ‘looters’ is not only insensitive but also deeply disrespectful. Shame on you, Anita Anand.”
Karan Johar, a prominent filmmaker and producer, also expressed his disappointment over Anand’s comments. He tweeted, “As a filmmaker, I believe in the power of storytelling to bring about change. But what Anita Anand has said is not just a story, it’s a blatant attempt to distort history and glorify a shameful act. We must call out such toxic narratives and stand in solidarity with the victims’ families.”
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, also known as the Amritsar massacre, is one of the darkest chapters in India’s history. On April 13, 1919, thousands of unarmed civilians gathered at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar to peacefully protest against the oppressive policies of the British Raj. However, they were met with brutal force when General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire, killing over 400 people and injuring thousands more.
The incident sparked widespread outrage and marked a turning point in the Indian independence movement. It also exposed the atrocities of the British rule and fueled the demand for freedom. Even after a century, the wounds of Jallianwala Bagh are still fresh in the minds of Indians, and Anand’s comments have reopened those wounds.
General Dyer’s actions have been unanimously condemned by historians and leaders from around the world. The British government also issued an official apology in 2019, but Anand’s defense of her grandfather’s actions has caused a stir. Many have questioned her intentions and have accused her of trying to whitewash history.
In the wake of the controversy, Anita Anand has issued a statement clarifying her stand. She claimed that her comments were taken out of context and that she did not mean to disrespect the victims. However, her attempt to justify her grandfather’s actions has not been well-received by the public.
The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is a scar on the collective consciousness of the Indian nation, and it is the responsibility of every citizen to remember and honor the victims. Akshay Kumar and Karan Johar’s strong stance against Anand’s comments is commendable, and it serves as a reminder that we must never forget the sacrifices made by our ancestors for our freedom.
In a time when there is a growing trend of glorifying perpetrators of violence and oppression, it is crucial that we stand up against such attempts to distort history. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is a painful reminder of the horrors of colonialism and a testament to the resilience of the Indian people. It is our duty to preserve its memory and ensure that such tragedies never happen again.
In conclusion, Akshay Kumar and Karan Johar have set an example by standing up for what is right and condemning Anita Anand’s insensitive comments. As citizens, it is our responsibility to honor the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and to never forget the sacrifices they made for our country. Let us unite and pledge to never let anyone distort the truth and rewrite history for their own agenda.
