Gurkha Army Ex-servicemen’s Association (Gaeso) has warned of going to the Supreme Court (SC) against the government’s plan to sell the Nepali Embassy’s property at Kensington Palace Gardens in London.

Gaeso Chairman Padam Bahadur Gurung said the move is to protect Nepal’s historical wealth, which reflects “priceless legacy of its own”.

Gaeso recalled that the property was gifted to the Nepali people considering the sacrifices made by the British Gurkha soldiers. “We acquired this property after Nepali soldiers put their lives at stake to protect the sovereignty and the people of the United Kingdom,” said Gurung.

He said the UK government had applauded the bravery displayed by around 60,000 Gurkha soldiers who served in the British army by gifting the property. “Selling this asset is disgracing our ancestors and the Nepali people. The government and the political parties have no right to put it up for sale,” added Gurung.
The government is prepared to sell the property, claiming that it cannot bear the high costs of its maintenance. Gaeso has offered to take care of the property if the government cannot.

Although the government has already ordered a property assessment, the Nepali Diaspora in the UK has repeatedly opposed the idea of selling the infrastructure situated in the heart of London. Various UK-based Nepali organisations also say it would be unfortunate to sell the property. The embassy building was acquired on lease by the government in 1934. The lease agreement was renewed for 99 years in 1980. The embassy pays an annual rent of 1,000 pound sterling. According to the agreement, the rent increases to 1,500 pounds after 50 years of the lease and 2,000 pounds after 75 years. The embassy has 66 years to use the property.

Published on: 31 March 2013 | The Kathmandu Post