Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana on Thursday urged people to be vigilant against “divisiveness” as “only through unity can we achieve peace and progress”.

His comments came during visits to the Wagah border and the Partition Museum and Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar.

“This museum reminds us of our tragic past and warns us against division of all kinds,” Justice Ramana wrote in the visitors’ book at the museum.

“It portrays vividly the losses suffered by mankind on an unprecedented scale due to the divide and rule policy of colonial powers.”

Justice Ramana continued: “This dark chapter in our history should serve as a lesson to mankind. We must remain ever vigilant against divisiveness. Only through unity can we achieve peace and progress.”

The Chief Justice, who was accompanied by wife Sivamala and other members of his family, witnessed the “beating retreat” and “change of guard” ceremonies at the Wagah border.

An official spokesperson for the Supreme Court said this was the first time any Chief Justice of India had visited the Wagah border while in office.

At Jallianwala Bagh, Justice Ramana paid homage to the unarmed protesters against British rule who were killed on April 13, 1919, when General Reginald Dyer ordered his troops to fire at them.

“Jallianwala Bagh manifests the strength and resilience of the people of this country,” he wrote in the visitors’ book.

“This serene garden is symbolic of the great sacrifice made in the face of tyranny. It serves as a reminder of the heavy price paid for freedom, which we must always cherish and protect.”

Justice Ramana was offered the saropa at the Golden Temple. He greeted the people of Punjab on the occasion of Vaisakhi and wished them peace and prosperity.

He also visited the Durgiana Temple in Amritsar.

Justice Ramana and his family paid floral tributes to Babasaheb Ambedkar at the Town Hall in Amritsar on his birth anniversary.

Earlier, chief minister Bhagwant Mann had received the Chief Justice at Amritsar airport.