The Rowlatt Act of 1919 was opposed in the following manner: (i) Rallies were organized in various cities. (ii) Workers went on strike in railway workshops. (iii) Shops were closed down. On 10th April, two renowned leaders of the Congress, Dr. Satya Pal and Dr. Saifuddin Kithlew were arrested. A public meeting was held on 13th April at Jallianwala Bagh in a small park enclosed by buildings on all sides to protest against the arrest. General Dyer ordered his troops to open fire on the innocent civilians who had gathered from the city of Amritsar and outside to attend a peaceful meeting.