“We must never forget what happened here": David Cameron visits Amritsar but stops short of apology for massacre

The PM condemned the Army’s role in the 1919 slaughter of 379 Indian protester but insisted Britain did not have to say sorry.

David Cameron today snubbed an opportunity to apologise for the 1919 slaughter of 379 Indian protesters by British troops.

The PM condemned the Army’s role in the Amritsar massacre during a historic visit to the site of the atrocity.

But he insisted Britain did not have to say sorry for the crimes of its forefathers.

However, Mr Cameron went further than any other premier since when he put a comment in a book of condolence.

He wrote: “This was a deeply shameful event in British history, one that Winston Churchill rightly described at the time as ‘monstrous’.

“We must never forget what happened here and in remembering we must ensure that the United Kingdom stands up for the right of peaceful protest around the world.”

Barefoot: Mr Cameron is shown around Golden Temple site
PA

Speaking later about his decision not to apologise, Mr Cameron said: “We’re dealing with something here that happened a good 40 years before I was even born.

"I don’t think the right thing is to reach back into history to seek what things we should apologise for.

“The right thing to do is to acknowledge what happened, to show respect and understanding.”

But his refusal to say sorry angered some of the descendants of those killed in the massacre at the Jallianwala Bagh public gardens, ordered by Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer.

Sunil Kapoor, 36, whose great-grandfather Wasoo died in the bloodbath, said: “I’m not satisfied because he met the descendants.

“If you feel shameful why not make a proper apology? We are waiting 94 years for justice.”

Tribute: PM lays wreath at memorial
AFP/Getty Images

But massacre memorial site secretary Sukumar Mukhajee, whose grandfather survived the horrific attack, backed Mr Cameron’s decision.

He said: “He has come here, he has paid his tributes, it is more than an apology.”

Mr Cameron, barefoot and wearing a traditional head covering, also visited the Golden Temple in the Sikh holy city.

The massacre took place on April 13. Dyer, fearing a rebellion, ordered his men to fire on a peaceful crowd – unleashing 1,650 rounds.

Around 120 victims died hurling themselves down a well to escape the gunfire. Dyer later quit.

The public gardens is now a shrine to the dead.

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