Encouraging Steps by New Government in British Gorkha Issue Amid Concerns Over Diverging Demands
After the formation of the new government, the first high-level meeting with the UK held last week has energized representatives of the Gorkha Ex-Servicemen’s Organisation (GESO). The meeting focused on discussions about discrimination faced by Gorkha ex-servicemen and reaffirmed a commitment to continual efforts on this matter. However, according to GESO, the British government has yet to provide any concrete response regarding their demand for equal pensions. It was reported that the Nepalese government urged during the meeting for a prompt resolution grounded in justice, fairness, and respect. The British Ministry of Defence has also expressed its commitment to working continuously on this issue in collaboration with the Nepalese government and representatives of the Gorkha community.
The history of British Gorkha recruitment spans over two centuries, and the Gorkha community has been advocating against inequality for three decades. In April 2022, a high-level dialogue committee was established to address these demands, conducting multiple meetings at ministerial and task force levels. The virtual meeting held on May 8, 2023 (Jestha 25) included Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and UK Defence Minister John Healey. Shortly after the meeting, Healey resigned from his post, and Amanda Solloway-Jones was appointed as the new Minister for Armed Forces within the Defence Ministry.
Following the meeting, Foreign Minister Khanal shared on social media that discussions centered on the longstanding demands of the Gorkhas, including equal pension rights. He stated, “Considering the historic and significant contribution of the Gorkhas to Nepal-UK relations, I urged the British government to resolve these issues as soon as possible based on justice, fairness, and respect.” The clear stance taken by the Foreign Minister received positive feedback from representatives of the Gorkha community.
“This was the first time a meeting at the level of both Defence and Foreign Ministers took place where the Nepali Foreign Minister emphasized ending discrimination; we view this as a very positive signal,” said GESO Vice President Dharma Tamang. However, some members of the Gorkha community have expressed less enthusiasm regarding the ongoing negotiation process. Padmasundar Limbu, Chairperson of the British Gorkha Ex-Servicemen’s Organisation (BIGESO), emphasized adherence to the Supreme Court of Nepal’s directives, stating, “The Supreme Court has issued binding orders to ensure that all Gorkha recruitment matters are handled respectfully without impacting relations with friendly nations.”
Dharma Tamang noted that discussions during the meeting remained stuck on longstanding points. Veterans who retired from the British Army before 1997 have long demanded equal pensions, protesting the discrimination faced. Previous meetings have seen the British side reject the demand for equal pensions as impossible and proposed alternative solutions. Tamang explained that they have offered an 11-point proposal for easier resolution. However, the British side made no comments on these points during last week’s meeting. Minister for Veterans and People, Amanda Solloway-Jones, acknowledged some progress but admitted that a definitive response has not yet been provided. There have been allegations that the British side is attempting to divert the matter away from the issue of pension equality.
In a written reply to BBC News regarding the latest talks, the UK Ministry of Defence reiterated its commitment to social dialogue and progress. “The meeting provided an invaluable opportunity to hear directly from the Gorkha ex-servicemen community. We acknowledge their sentiments and are committed to continued efforts on this important issue,” a ministry spokesperson stated. “We will maintain cooperation with the Nepalese government and the Gorkha community in the days ahead.”
