Gurkha military veterans on hunger strike in London over pensions row with UK
- Gurkha military veterans complain of discrimination and inequalities
- Several hunger strikers camp opposite UK prime minister’s office
Gurkha military veterans on Tuesday vowed a “fast until death” unless the British government agrees to meet them to discuss their long-standing grievances over pension rights.
Several hunger strikers have been camped out under makeshift shelters around the clock opposite Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Downing Street office, taking no food for the last 11 days.
Surrounded by flowers and candles left by supporters, they want the government to resolve their complaints about alleged discrimination and inequalities.
Veteran Yam Gurung, 71, said Gurkhas – Nepalese soldiers who served with the British Army – had fought alongside their British comrades in conflicts across the world.
But he said they were not treated the same.
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Nepalese Gurkha veterans in UK start ‘fast unto death’ demanding pensions matching British troops
“We are facing humiliation, racial discrimination … exploitation is there, alienation is there, vitriol by the British government is continuing,” he said.