On Wednesday, a group of Nepali youths and family members of former Indian Army personnel took to the streets of western Pokhara city, demanding that the Nepali government allow them to enlist as Agniveers under the Indian Army’s Agnipath scheme. The rally, organised by the Indian Ex-Servicemen Gorkha Brigade Nepal, was attended by former soldiers, their family members, and youths who had received training to join foreign armies. The protesters carried placards, calling for the resumption of recruitment of Nepali youths under the Agnipath scheme, which has been paused since 2019. Gurkha recruitment into the Indian Army was initially halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and later, Nepal suspended the recruitment process after India introduced the Agnipath scheme in 2022. Under this scheme, up to 25 per cent of recruits are retained for permanent service after four years, while the remaining 75 per cent are discharged with a one-time lump-sum payment. The Nepali government argues that the scheme is inconsistent with the provisions of the 1947 Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal, and Britain. However, with limited employment opportunities in Nepal, many young people are still interested in joining the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme. The protesters demanded that the government reconsider its position and allow Nepali youths to join the Indian Army as Agniveers, rather than being compelled to seek employment in Gulf countries. They also called for the immediate reopening of the Agnipath recruitment process and the registration process for organisations representing former soldiers. The rally, which began at Pokhara Stadium, proceeded to the District Administration Office, where the organisers submitted a memorandum to the Chief District Officer of Kaski.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalorean News