KUALA LUMPUR: A group is seeking justice for the families of 24 people shot dead by British soldiers in the "Batang Kali massacre" 60 years ago.

The Action Committee Condemning the Batang Kali Massacre wants the British government to carry out a public inquiry.

It has initiated a signature campaign to be submitted to Queen Elizabeth II, seeking an apology, compensation and a memorial.

Signature campaign head Quek Ngee Meng said the committee wanted to collect 1,000 signatures in the form of letters of endorsement from organisations in a month.

He urged the British government to launch an inquiry to examine the evidence, which showed that the victims were unarmed and innocent.
Quek said the committee was considering a suit against the British government if its requests were not met.

He said the committee wanted a quick inquiry as the only credible witness of the massacre was suffering from throat cancer.

"She was about 17-years-old when the it took place. Her husband was the lone survivor but he died in April," said yesterday.

The Seven Major Clans Association, Malaysia-China Friendship Association, the Malaysian Federation of Chinese Associations, Young Entrepreneur Association, United Chinese School Committee Association and National Youth Association have signed letters of endorsement.

Quek said past attempts to hold an inquiry stopped short as the British government claimed there was no evidence to proof a massacre took place at Batang Kali in 1948.

"We are not questioning the legality of the Emergency or the guerilla warfare but we cannot tolerate the atrocities against civilians."





He said a petition was sent to the British government through the British High Commission on March 25 but there has been no response.

"We need to press on and hope to get the full cooperation of local non-governmental organisations, associations and societies."

He also said the British government should apologise to the families of the victims who had been branded bandits and terrorists, adding that the British government should also compensate the families.