Nepalese Gurkhas end hunger strike over UK military pensions
Nepalese Gurkha military veterans have ended a 13-day hunger strike after the United Kingdom’s government agreed to discuss their longstanding grievances over pension rights.
Thousands of Gurkhas, who are renowned as hard and loyal fighters, have served in the British army but until 2007, did not enjoy the same pay and conditions as British soldiers.
Those who served before 1997 still receive only a fraction of their British counterparts’ salary as it was assumed they would return to Nepal after leaving the army, where the cost of living is significantly lower.
Gurkha veterans previously lost a legal challenge against the situation, and say it has left some 25,000 older Nepalese veterans out of pocket.
The Gurka Equal Rights group tweeted that on Thursday, British officials agreed to talks with the Nepalese Embassy over the issue.
“The hunger strike has now been called off! Thank you everyone for your support and love,” the group said.
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