LONDON, July 22: In what appears to be the last straw against the sheer apathy shown by the British government to address their demands, the ex-Gurkha veterans have launched a relay hunger strike in the United Kingdom to put pressure to address their demands.
The Gurkha Ex-Servicemen Satyagraha Joint Struggle Committee has started a relay hunger strike before the office of British Prime Minister at Ten Downing Street from 1PM on Wednesday.
Campaigner Gyan Raj Rai shared that they were forced to stage THE hunger strike when their demands were not heeded despite several attempts from their end.
Ex-Gurkhas give UK govt until July 1 to ensure pension parity
Rai further said that the relay hunger strike would continue for 13 consecutive days. The hunger strike will be undertaken on a rotation basis with one campaigner in the strike each day, he further clarified.
The struggle committee's member Krishna Bahadur Rai warned of launching a fast-unto-death if the British Government did not make any effort to initiate dialogue within 13 days.
It may be noted that several organizations concerning the demands of Gurkhas, including NRNA-UK had sent a letter in writing to both UK and Nepal governments last month calling for their efforts to address the issue.
The letter was dispatched urging the governments to initiate dialogue on the demands of ex-Gurkhas, including pension.
However, the GAESO has not lent its support to the agitation launched by the Gurkhas struggle committee which has put forth a 12-point demand.
