Expert: Abhijit - 7/21/2007

Question
Hello Abhijit.
What is the attitude of the thousands of Gurkhas to the current situation regarding the unpopularity of the Monarchy in Nepal ? Am I correct in saying that the Gurkhas are members of the British Army, but are still Nepali citizens ? If there was a serious uprising against the King would they support him, support the uprising or stay out of it ?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Mark,
This a very intersting question you have asked. First of all a small correction in your question. The people of Nepal are called as "Nepalis" and not "Gurkhas". the Gurkha is a community of Nepal.

now about your question, till Late King Virendra, the people of Nepal considered King as a reincarnation of Hindu god "Vishnu". after his sudden assasination, his younger brother, the current king succeded the throne. He is not popular in the Nepal due to attocities committed by him and his cabinet year back. now the communist taking over country slowly and cutting every right, privilage of King one by one. The people of Nepal silently supporing this.

Gurkhas, are part of the British army since 1840-50. they hold the record of serving 2 foreign countries (UK and India) at the same time. they are known as loyal and faithful to the country they serve. so i have no doubt in my mind that if there will be any uprising against the present king of Nepal, the gurkhas serving in UK will stay out of it.

regards
Abhijit