Gurkhas Go On Hunger Strike For Equal Pensions

The 13 day Gurkha Satyagraha “relay hunger strike” officially came to an end in London on Thursday 7th November. The former British Army soldiers have been fighting for equal pension rights and have declared that they are prepared to die for their rights. The relay hunger strike consisted of Gurkhas or members of Gurkha families participating in the strike and braving the cold British weather. I can’t imagine what it must’ve been like especially during the nights when we had some crazy winds going across the country.

The phase two of the Gurkha Satyagraha is now in full swing with the “fast unto-death hunger strike” officially starting yesterday with campaign director Gyanraj Rai, Dr Tommy Riordan and human rights campaigner Mrs Bobbie Wason. The mentioned three have vowed to continue the hunger strike until their demands are met. According to the BBC thousands of Gurkhas that retired before 1997 only receive a third of the pension received by their former British comrades.

PS. Here’s a coverage by BBC Nepali Sewa

Photos From Gurkha Relay Hunger Strike – 13 Days to remember the 13 Gurkhas with VC Medals.

The Relay Hunger Strike saw more than two dozen Gurkhas and members of Gurkha families/friends participating.