Ashamed, sorry for crimes committed by British army: Archbishop of Canterbury at Jallianwala Bagh

AMRITSAR: Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby felt ashamed and sorry for the crimes committed by British army on April 13, 1919 at Jallianwala Bagh killing innocent freedom fighters.
Welby, who is on last leg of India tour, went to Jallianwala Bagh on Tuesday where he said, "I am so ashamed and sorry for the impact of this crime committed here,” adding that he was saying so as a religious leader and not on the behalf of British government.
He was accompanied by Bishop of Amritsar PK Samantaroy and others.
Welby visited the 'Flame of Liberty' monument, ‘Amar Jyoti’ and bullet-ridden walls of Jallianwala Bagh while offering prayers.
He said this place commemorate a great wickedness and misuse of power.
Speaking cautiously, he said "I can't speak on behalf of British government, I am not an official of British government but I can speak on the name of Christ and say, this is a place of sin and redemption, because you have remembered what they have done, and their names, their memory will live before god and I mourn the tragedy that we see here,” he said.
Later in his remarks on the visitors book, Welby wrote, "It is deeply humbling and provokes feelings of profound shame to visit this place that witnessed such an atrocity 100 years ago. My first response is to pray for the healing of the relatives, of the decedents, of our relationships with India and its wonderful people. But that prayer renews in me a desire to pray and act so that together we may learn from history and root out hatred, promote reconciliation and globally seek the common good."
In reply to a question whether he would ask British government to tender apology for the Jallianwala Bagh pogrom, he replied, “I think I have been very clear what I feel and that will be broadcast in England."
Visibly uncomfortable due to sweltering heat and humidity, Welby told about his visit, “It has been a pilgrimage and a lesson of the most profound learning and privilege that I will never forget, I so admire all the potential and hope that this country gives to the world."