Punjab gave the British the most support possible during the First World War, despite their resentment against the British. However, the O' Dwyer administration imposed stricter regulations and repressed the population after the war. Further, as a result of the Rowlatt Act's implementation, there was a great deal of unrest in Punjab. One of the main hubs of these protests was the Gurdaspur District.
On April 6, 1919, Gandhiji declared a hartal in protest of the Rowlatt Act. Gurdaspur observed the complete hartal, and various protest gatherings were held throughout the region. The agitations demonstrated the strong unity of Hindus and Muslims of Punjab. More police officers were stationed in Gurdaspur because of the tension in the neighborhood. The demonstrations turned violent after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. In response, the administration declared section 15 of the Police Act, cut various telegraph lines around the district, and deployed movable columns. To terrorize the protesters, General Dyer displayed the columns all around the region. Meanwhile, nine Gurdaspur residents were taken into custody on May 2 for sedition.
During the Anti-Rowlatt Act agitations, Gurdaspur manifested a strong spirit of patriotism. On August 30, 1919, they openly denounced O’Dwyer’s activities and refuted his assertions that the Punjabi people supported him. The ensuing movements for Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India were all endorsed by the residents of Gurdaspur.
Source: Indian Culture Portal