Shiva Sharma

ONE of the two French soldiers killed while fighting Taliban insurgents in Kapisa province in Afghanistan on Aug 7 has been identified as Nepali national Kisan Bahadur Thapa. In 2008, Thapa, 30, a native of Syangja district, had joined the French Foreign Legion, a special unit created for foreign nationals wishing to serve in the French Armed Forces. He was promoted to Corporal only this year. Thapa’s family and friends were saddened by his death. His wife, Renu, lost her consciousness upon receiving the news and was admitted to Metro City Hospital. She was discharged on Tuesday. Thapa’s wife, son and his parents left for France on Wednesday to receive his body. His wife has been temporarily living with their six-year-old son at Sirjanachowk in Pokhara, where he ran a training centre for youths aspiring to join the UK Army and the Singapore Police. Thapa and his mate from the second regiment foreign paratroopers were gunned down, while five others were injured in the attack launched by the insurgents. The French Legionnaires were apparently searching for Afghan fortified position in Tagab Valley. Four Nepali nationals serving in foreign armies lost their lives in Afghanistan war since 2001.

Wife, son and parents of Thapa, who was promoted to Corporal only this year, left for France on Wednesday to claim his body

Published on: 11 August 2011 | The Kathmandu Post