Editorial photo #12024094 Politics

Gurkha Veterans In Nepal March In Kathmandu Demanding Equal Rights

Gurkha veterans in Nepal march in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 6, 2025, demanding the government follow the order by the Supreme Court to review the Gurkha recruitment deal. The Gurkhas, along with their family members, hold a rally carrying banners and placards with slogans such as 'equal pay and pension,' 'let's fight for justice, equality and self-respect,' and 'implement Supreme Court's directive order.' The British Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen's Organisation states they are forced to take to the streets for justice, equality, and self-respect of British Gurkha. The Nepal government does not show any interest in implementing the order issued by the apex court on February 7, 2023. Former Gurkha soldiers file the writ petition at the top court demanding the annulment of the 1947 tripartite agreement between Nepal, India, and Britain over the recruitment and deployment of Gurkha soldiers and their perks and facilities. Gurkha veterans fight for equal rights with their British counterparts for years. They demand equal pension rights, equal pay and perks, free healthcare, equal compensations, residency for family members of Gurkha soldiers, and equal pension to the widows of Gurkha soldiers who die during service. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)