Nepali Victoria Cross winner Tul Bahadur Pun is filing a case against United Kingdom (UK) for showing discriminatory behaviour towards Gurkhas, reported the local media house's website ekantipur on Monday.
Along with Pun, two other individuals are also filing similar cases. Padam Bahadur Gurung, central chairman of the Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen's Organization (GAESO), stated that initial preparations to file the case have been completed.
Speaking at a programme in Dharan, some 215 km east of the capital city, Gurung informed that VC Pun, former Gurkha Major Man Bahadur Rai and Bhim Bahadur Tumbahanfe will file the case against the UK government. Among the three, only Tumbahanfe has taken up British citizenship.
"Despite their sacrifices and contribution in many wars that they fought for the British government, Gurkhas are being made the target of discrimination today," Gurung said, adding, "We'll file the case to ensure equality."
Earlier, on July 5, the British government had felicitated Pun who joined the British Army in 1940 and fought in Burma. He won the Victoria Cross for bravery while fighting against the Japanese troops.
However, the British Embassy turned a blind eye to his selfless service, rejecting his visa request before granting it after public pressure from UK citizens and well-wishers.
Pun, who is suffering from high blood pressure, gastritis, hearing problems, and impaired vision, had applied for a visa to get medical treatment in the country.
The efforts and campaigns of GAESO and Howe and Co. Solicitors, and a media campaign by the British newspaper, Daily Mirror, helped to put pressure on the British government to recognize and award Pun's unflinching bravery and selfless service.
GAESO have been campaigning and holding protests for a long time demanding equal pay and pensions for some 40,000 retired British Gurkha soldiers.
Source: Xinhua
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