Semi-naked women's picture removed from Jallianwala Bagh gallery

Following intense criticism and protests authorities have removed a picture of two seminaked women akin to Ajanta and Ellora caves at an upcoming photo gallery of the Jallianwala Bagh that witnessed one of the bloodiest massacre of the preIndependence era in Punjabs Amritsar cityThe objectionable photo was amid portraits of national heroes and first Sikh master Guru Nanak Dev Subdivisional Magistrate Vikas Hira said the photo has been removedIt is learnt that Hira inspected the ongoing construction work after the controversy arose and took a serious note with the company which is undertaking the Jallianwala Baghs Central governmentfunded renovation works about displaying the photo in the national memorial to the Indian freedom struggleAccepting its mistake the company decided to remove the photo a government functionary told IANS on TuesdayIANS had highlighted the issue of the objectionable picture in a story titled Picture of seminaked women in Jallianwala Bagh gallery riles many on July 19The Jallianwala Bagh complex is currently undergoing a massive makeover Authorities say the renovation and restoration began on February 15 under the supervision of Archaeological Survey of India and will reopen to the public from July 31The Centre has allocated Rs 20 crore in the first phase through the Ministry of CultureThe renovation work is supervised by BJP Rajya Sabha member Shwait Malik who is also a trustee of the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust He last visited the gallery on July 17Local Member of Parliament Gurjit Singh Aujla and the International Sarv Kamboj Samaj had lodged a strong protest with Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust President and demanded the removal of the offensive pictureThe Jallianwala Bagh is no less than a pilgrimage centre for every Indian Hundreds of people comprising schoolchildren and families visit it every day to pay respect to those who sacrificed their lives for the country International Sarv Kamboj Samaj President Bobby Kamboj had told IANSHe had said it was a shame for us when we came to know on Saturday that authorities had put on display the picture of seminude women in the gallery which houses a collection of portraits and paintings of national heroes and Sikh gurusaLocated in the vicinity of the Golden Temple complex the Jallianwala Bagh witnessed one of the bloodiest massacre of the pre Independence era when at least 379 civilians were gunned down on April 13 1919 by British India Army on the orders of Acting BrigadierGeneral Reginald DyerOver 1000 others were injured The incident catalysed the Indians struggle for freedomUnder renovation is an old well the martyrs well within the park which is a silent witness to the brutal killings It is going to be put under a domeshaped seethrough fibreglass canopyCatch up on all the latest Crime National International and Hatke news here Also download the new mid day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest newsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever