Thread by @gurkha_rights

One year on and we are still waiting. Today marks one year since Gurkha veterans and widows were compelled to enter hunger strikes.

@HouseofCommons goes into summer recess and the Terms of Reference meeting between @NepalEmbassyUK and @DefenceHQ as promised is long overdue.

From 21 July 2021, 13 days were set aside for a 24hr hunger strike relay in remembrance of the 13 Gurkha Victoria Cross winners.
@Gurkha_Brigade
@JohnnyMercerUK
@BWallaceMP

#LestWeForget
#Veterans
#respectourheroes
#britisharmy
#Legacy

Elderly Nepali pensioners took turns, some even going without water, through the summer heat, torrential rains + harassment from @metpoliceuk. Peaceful protests held earlier since spring fell on deaf ears. They hoped if they fasted,the Nepal and British governments would listen.

Although today marks 1 year since 2021's Gurkha hunger strike phase, it has been 33 years since Gurkha veterans launched justice campaigns. In 2013 veteran Gyanraj Rai went on a fast-unto-death hunger strike. Some battles were won but the struggle for dignity +equality continues.

33 years and 2 hunger strikes later, @NepalEmbassyUK and @DefenceHQ still cannot pencil in a date to even set a Terms of Reference meeting let alone a date to commence diplomatic dialogue.@BWallaceMP @JohnnyMercerUK @DefenceHQ @JohnHealey_MP @Steph_Peacock @trussliz @DavidLammy

OVER 15,000 veterans died in 33 years of waiting for justice.

How much longer are we meant to wait ?

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