Former Gorkha soldiers and supporters protested in Pokhara, seeking the restart of Nepali recruitment into the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme.
Gorkha Veterans Demand Restart Of Indian Army Recruitment
Former Gorkha soldiers and their supporters have staged a protest in Nepal's Pokhara demanding that recruitment of Nepali youth into the Indian Army be resumed under the Agnipath scheme. The demonstration was organised by the Indian Ex-Servicemen Gorkha Brigade Nepal Pokhara amid growing concern over the prolonged halt in recruitment.
The protesters submitted a two-point memorandum to Nepal's federal government through the District Administration Office. Their main demand is the immediate resumption of Indian Army recruitment for Nepali citizens. They also sought renewal of ex-servicemen organisations that use the word "soldier" in their names.
Gorkha leaders argue that recruitment into the Indian Army represents a military tradition spanning more than two centuries and remains an important source of employment for thousands of Nepali families.
Gorkha Veterans Say Army Jobs Better Than Gulf Employment
Brigade Chairman Colonel Krishna Bahadur Khatri said the recruitment freeze has deprived Nepali youth of an established employment opportunity. Protesters argued that serving as an Agniveer could provide better earnings, facilities and professional experience than many low-paid jobs available to Nepali migrant workers in Gulf countries.
According to the memorandum cited in the report, young recruits could earn approximately 4.5 million to 5 million Nepali rupees during four years of Agniveer service, along with other benefits.
India introduced the Agnipath recruitment model in 2022. Under the system, Agniveers serve in the armed forces for four years, after which up to 25 per cent can be selected for longer-term military service.
Gorkha Recruitment Freeze Becomes India-Nepal Issue
Recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas had already been disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic. After India introduced Agnipath, Nepal did not permit the recruitment process to restart, citing questions over how the new four-year service system fits with longstanding arrangements governing Gorkha recruitment.
Nepal had asked India in 2022 to keep recruitment under Agnipath on hold until concerns about the future of recruits after four years of service were addressed.
Gorkhas have a long history of service in Indian military formations. Following India's Independence in 1947, six Gorkha regiments of the British Indian Army became part of the Indian Army under arrangements involving India, Nepal and Britain. The military connection has since remained an important part of India-Nepal relations.
Gorkha Protest Comes Ahead Of Indian Army Chief's Nepal Visit
The demonstration comes shortly before Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth's scheduled five-day visit to Nepal beginning August 16. During the visit, he is expected to receive the honorary rank of General of the Nepali Army, continuing a reciprocal military tradition between the two countries.
The visit is likely to draw fresh attention to defence ties and the unresolved Gorkha recruitment issue. Protesters have warned that they may organise further demonstrations if their demand to restore recruitment into the Indian Army is not addressed. For former soldiers and aspiring recruits, the dispute is not only about employment but also about preserving a military tradition that has connected Nepal and India for generations.
