British colonial authorities officially impose martial law across Punjab

In the immediate aftermath of the horrific Jallianwala Bagh massacre on April 13, 1919, widespread anger and anti-colonial protests swept across the Punjab region. Fearing a full-scale armed uprising reminiscent of the 1857 Rebellion, Lieutenant Governor Sir Michael O'Dwyer formally requested extraordinary executive powers. On April 15, 1919, Viceroy Lord Chelmsford and the colonial administration officially proclaimed martial law across the key districts of Amritsar, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujarat, and Lyallpur.

Under martial law, military commanders enforced draconian measures designed to intimidate and humiliate the civilian population. Strict night curfews were instituted, public assemblies of more than four people were banned, and public transportation and communications were heavily restricted. Brigadier General Reginald Dyer issued infamous local decrees in Amritsar, including the notorious 'Crawling Order,' which forced Indian residents to crawl on their hands and knees through Kucha Kurrichhan—the street where an English missionary school inspector, Marcella Sherwood, had been assaulted. Public floggings, summary convictions by military tribunals, and heavy collective fines became widespread throughout the province.

The imposition of martial law succeeded in suppressing open street protests through physical intimidation, but it permanently shattered Indian faith in British justice. Moderate political leaders were thoroughly alienated, and the systemic humiliation of Punjab civilians galvanized national opposition, directly inspiring Mahatma Gandhi to initiate the nationwide Non-Cooperation Movement.