Mehta calls for revival of Gurkha recruitment

Pokhara: To save the Indian Gurkha brigade, India and Nepal should immediately begin talks on finding a solution, retired Indian Army Major General Ashok Mehta has said. Mehta, who was in Pokhara on Sunday for the 138th anniversary of the Ex-Army Association of the 2/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force), noted that after Nepal stopped recruitment, the Indian Army began recruiting from regions such as Naga, Garhwal, and Kumaon. He stated that this shift became necessary due to the unavailability of recruits from Nepal.

Emphasizing the long-standing tradition of Nepalis serving in the Indian Army, Mehta stressed that recruitment should resume promptly. He underscored that this issue extends beyond recruitment and is deeply tied to India-Nepal relations. Nepali citizens have served in the Indian Army, shedding blood on the borders with China and Pakistan, a sacrifice that he believes speaks volumes.

When asked why Gurkha recruitment had been suspended, Mehta responded that if he were Prime Minister, he would reopen recruitment for Gurkhas. He clarified that the Agniveer scheme would not apply to Nepal, as India-Nepal relations require a different approach.

He urged the Indian government to reinstate Nepal’s recruitment, while suggesting that Nepal initiate discussions with India about the suspension. Prior to the halt, 1,200 to 1,500 Nepalis joined the Indian Army annually.

Capt Rameshwar Thapa was invited as a special guest to the event. Mehta commended Thapa’s contributions to Nepal, particularly during the Maoist insurgency and the drafting of the 2015 constitution.

Capt Thapa spoke about India-Nepal ties and a wide range of other issues including the contribution made by Gurkha soldiers.