Kathmandu, December 6

British Gurkha Satyagraha has served an ultimatum until February 15 to the Government of Nepal and the British Government to form a high-level talks team and proceed dialogue for addressing the demands of ex-Gurkha servicemen.

BGS demanded to start a dialogue between the Government of Nepal and the British Government on the report of the Technical Committee that comprised ambassador of Nepal to UK, minister of defence (UK) and representatives of British Gurkha ex-servicemen’s association.

For that to happen, a dialogue on the report should be held with the International Relations Committee of the Federal Parliament of Nepal, as a guiding instrument, stated a press release issued by BGS today.

According to BGS, imposition of Indian Pay Code on British Gurkhas after 1948, which came in the name of Tripartite Agreement-1947, but with mutual understanding between India and Britain, was absolutely unfair, against the national sovereignty and independence of Nepal and contrary to the principles of right to self determination provided by international human rights laws; and was incompatible with other international laws including the Montevideo Treaty-1933, that defines the relations among the states and Article 2 of United Nations Charter.

It also warned that the movement of equality and dignity spearheaded by Gurkha veterans against the British government would be advanced in national as well as in international level in the form of patriotic movement and a campaign dedicated to human rights and dignity of Nepali people.

The ex-Gurkhas have demanded an end to injustice and discrimination against Gurkha veterans and their families, and compensation to the families of thousands of soldiers who had lost their lives in the past wars.