Kathmandu, January 4:

Participants of an interaction programme organised by Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen Organisation (GAESO) today urged the Nepal government to write to the British government for treating Gurkha soldiers on par with their British counterparts.

Representatives of political parties, civil society, rights activists and intellectuals took part in the discussion on the recent announcement of the UK citizenship for the ex-Gurkha soldiers and their families.

GAESO president Padam Bahadur Gurung said the issue they had been raising for the past 16 years was not for the UK citizenship but for the treatment of Gurkhas on par with their British counterparts. “We had asked for residential visa and not citizenship for the ex-Gurkhas so that they could work there after retirement,” he said.

“We approached the government several times, but it never took the issue seriously. All we need is a statement by the government saying that the Gurkhas want treatment on par

with their British counterparts,” he said.

“The Ministry of Defence of Britain is reviewing the issue of the ex-Gurkhas’ pay, pensions and other facilities, the final decision is expected by January 12,” said Gopal Siwakoti Chintan, legal advisor of the GAESO adding, “We will win the case if Nepal government writes to the British government that Gurkhas want treatment on par with British counterparts, before the date.”

UML leader Hemraj Rai said his party backed stance taken by GAESO that Gurkhas and British soldiers should be treated equally.