Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa, who held talks with the British authorities on issues of Gurkha soldiers in London recently, said that the matter had been a national agenda, not merely a concern of a small group.

 

Speaking at a meeting of the Labour and International Relations Committee of Parliament on Tuesday, DPM Thapa assured of finding a solution to the problem through talks with the United Kingdom. During a meeting with British ministers in London on April 27, Thapa had raised the issue of Gurkhas, reminding the officials that they have historical connection in bilateral relations. In the context of the bicentennial celebration of Nepal-Britain ties, it was the right time for the UK to address the issues of the Gurkhas once and for all and to give recognition to their sacrifices for the British cause, Thapa had stressed. Minister of State Hugo Swire had responded that the British government would make efforts to resolve the issue.

 

DPM Thapa said at the House meeting that the suggestions received from the lawmakers had encouraged him to initiate efforts to resolve the issue. He added that the government would take steps to resolve the issue.

 

Lawmakers expressed their concerns about the disparities in pay and perks provided to Nepalis in the British Army. They asked the government to take initiatives at a time when the Gurkha members are protesting against the unequal treatment. As many as 3,500 Nepalis are currently serving in the British Army and about 35,000 are receiving pension. 

 

Representatives of the agitating ex-British servicemen suggested that the government form a talks team to address their concerns.