Question

Write a newspaper report on:
a) The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
b) The Simon Commission

Answer 1

Hint: The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre was a heinous oppression by the British troops on the people of India. The Simon Commission was a group of 7 Members of Parliament who was sent from Britain to look into the political conditions of India.

Complete answer:
a) The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre: A large crowd had gathered at the enclosed ground of Jallianwalah Bagh on 13th April 1919. People had either gone there to attend the Baisakhi fair or to protest against the British policies in India. General Dyer, the acting Brigadier- General blocked all the exits and ordered open fire on unarmed civilians, killing 379 people and injuring around 12,00. People could not escape since the exits were blocked. According to Dyer, his aim was to teach the satyagrahis a lesson. This led to a nationwide protest in India.

b) The Simon Commission: The Simon Commission was sent to India under the chairmanship of Sir John Simon. The main function of the Commission was to review the constitutional changes in India and suggest some new changes. The Commission was appointed in 1927. It was vehemently opposed in India by Neheru, Gandhi, Jinnah, the Muslim League and also the Indian National Congress. Lala Lajpat Rai was beaten during a protest in which he was leading. He died later could not have survived the brutal injuries.

Note: The Jallianwalah Bagh and the Simon Commission both created massive protests against the British government.The British had gone too far in repressing the Indians and the time had come for them to be overthrown.