Gurkhas decry ‘discriminatory provision’ requiring them to give up Nepali citizenship

Kathmandu, Feb 9: The Gurkhas, recruited under the terms of the Sugauli Treaty and subsequent agreements, have demanded that they and their families be allowed to retain Nepali citizenship for life.

Marking the 40th anniversary of the Gurkhas Intake 1985 organized, for the first time in Nepal, the Gurkhas called for an end to the requirement that they renounce Nepali citizenship permanently.

On the occasion, Sher Bahadur Sunar, founder president of the organization and chief coordinator of the event, urged the Government of Nepal not to categorize British Gurkha soldiers and their families as non-resident citizens.

“A bilateral agreement between the UK and the Government of Nepal should be established to respect the sentiments of British Gurkhas by ending the discrimination that forces them to renounce Nepali citizenship for life,” he said.

Chairman Lal Bahadur Limbu stated that the anniversary was held in Nepal as an expression of their love for the motherland and to encourage Gurkhas to stay connected to it.

Vice President Pramila Rai, General Secretary Bijaya Gurung, former President Narayan Bhandari, and other speakers emphasized the Gurkhas’ significant role in strengthening Nepal-UK relations.

The event also featured the felicitation of various personalities and a cultural program.

Since 2004, the British government has been providing residential facilities to Gurkha soldiers and their families. The recruitment of Gurkhas into the British Army dates back 210 years.

The UK has been recruiting Nepali youth into its army annually based on the tripartite Sugauli Treaty, signed between Nepal, India, and Britain in 1947.

As part of this legacy, the 482 Gurkhas recruited in 1985 commemorate their recruitment year with an anniversary celebration every year.

RSS