FOIA APPEAL CHALLENGING NON-DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL ON UK ADVICE TO INDIAN SECURITY FORCES PRIOR TO AMRITSAR ASSACRE 1984 (2)
KRW LAW LLP is representing journalist Phil Miller in his legal appeal to force the UK government to disclose information relating The Amritsar Massacre 1984. Mr Miller seeks further disclosure of material held by the UK government detailing the policy of providing advice and assistance to Indian security forces in the lead up to the massacre and the subsequent extensive human rights violations against the Sikh community.
On Wednesday a senior civil servant was questioned on the role of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) in providing briefings to Ministers and whether all such material would be classed as sensitive and not for public disclosure.
The JIC has not previously been classified as a security agency. There are public interest concerns regarding the historic nature of the requested material and its importance to the Sikh community in Britain.
The apparent need for secrecy only serves to fuel speculation regarding the role of the SAS and other UK agencies in advising the Indian security forces in its counter-insurgency campaign which has been described as genocide.
Phil Miller is being represented pro bono by KRW LAW LLP and counsel. The government has instructed two barristers to defend its position including a QC at public expense.