Kathmandu: Former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has highlighted the distinguished history of British Gurkha servicemen as a source of pride. At an event organized for the release of the book ‘Sugauli Treaty and Citizenship in Nepal’ by Senior Advocate Dr. Chandra Kant Gyawali, Deuba emphasized the global recognition of the Gurkhas’ gallantry, dedication, and discipline.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Deuba noted the significant contributions made by the Gurkha servicemen to the British government, particularly during the First and Second World Wars. He pointed out that Nepalis continue to serve in the British Army, and the British Gurkha force remains a vital aspect of Nepal-UK relations today. Deuba also addressed the ongoing issues of equal pay and rights for the Gurkhas, underscoring that the Nepal government’s stance on equal pay has been clearly communicated to British officials.
Deuba expressed his belief that British Gurkha servicemen should receive the same services and facilities as other army personnel in Britain. He also mentioned the continuous efforts by Gurkha servicemen to raise the issue of Nepali citizenship and called for Nepal’s political parties to engage in discussions to reach a resolution on this matter.
In support of Deuba’s remarks, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai echoed the call for addressing the citizenship issues faced by British Gurkha servicemen. Dr. Gyawali, the author of the book, also advocated that these servicemen should not be denied the right to obtain Nepali citizenship by descent.