Nepali Gurkhas will just be Durbans from now on?

Gurkha Sodiers

Indian and British Armies may no longer be able to recruit  Gurkhas, following a Nepales government decision to stop their recruitment in foreign countries. 

Dr. Babu Ram Bhattirai, PM 

Nepal's government has directed Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and other concerned ministries to implement the recommendations of a report that seeks to ultimately halt Gurkha recruitment in foreign armies. 


The Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) have sent separate letters to various ministries on March 9 directing them to initiate procedures for implementing recommendations of the report. 


Nepalese Gurkhas are serving in Indian Army and British Army. The Gurkhas have a long history of serving Indian and British Armies. The Nepali Gurkhas have been known to the world as honest, brave dignified soldiers. 


After Dr. Bhattirai government's decision to stop Gurkha recruitment there have been many reactions. Some political Pundits said, "The Nepalese government decision to stop Gurkha recruitment will open jobs to Gurkhas from India. However, the Nepali Gurkhas migration to India and other countries will just be limited to 'Durvans' as opportunities to serve in the army will be lost." Some critics further argues that Present government of Dr. Babu Ram Bhattrai is helping Indian nationals in many ways as he can by changing policies in Nepal.


The gurkha organizations have yet to comment on this policy.

Gyanendra's 'activism' is not a good sign - PM Bhattarai

                                                 Ex King of Nepal
     
Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has accused Nepal's dethroned king Gyanendra of conspiring against the landmark peace process at a time when the former monarch has increased his appearances at public and religious functions, fueling speculation over his future plans.

66-year Gyanendra, who has kept a low profile since he left the Narayanhiti palace in June 2008, when Nepal's Constituent Assembly, which acts as the country's interim parliament, voted to abolish the centuries-old monarchy and declare a republic.

The former monarch has lately increased his appearances at public and religious functions, including visiting important temples across the country amid pomp and show.

The prime minister said Gyanendra's 'activism' is not a good sign at a time when the country's transition is set to be concluded.

The Prime Minister said the ex-King "is becoming active instead of staying as a common citizen by accepting the people's verdict".








                            PM Bhattari

Bhattarai was quoted as saying by nepalnews online yesterday that Gyanendra's recent statement that democracy and sovereignty were in danger smacked of conspiracy.

After lying low for months, Gyanendra made a high-profile public appearance on March 1 at a religious function at Jhumka in Sunsari district of eastern Nepal, drawing pro-monarch supporters and loyalists.

Gyanendra, who recently returned to Nepal after weeks of stay in India, has expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the country. A bomb blast in the heart of the capital Kathmandu on February 27 killed at least three people and injured seven others.

According Bhattarai, the statement of the former King and the recent blast in Kathmandu were part of a 'conspiracy' to push the country on the path of conflict and derail the peace process and the constitution drafting process.