UBGEA Extends Olive Branch to All Gurkha Organisations in their CALL FOR UNITY

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Posted by: santosh, on 1/24/2010, in category "Gurkhas-related articles"
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CALL FOR A UNITED GURKHA CAMPAIGN

UBGEA (Nepal and UK) would like to take this opportunity to inform all relevant organisations, individuals and well wishers that the UBGEA (Nepal & UK) has decided to call for unity amongst all

Gurkha Ex-servicemen’s associations to take the Gurkha Campaign forward with unity and renewed vigour.

The GUF also made an effort in the past to unite Gurkha organisations. The UBGEA has also been trying its level best to unite all Gurkha organisations (we maintain copies of communications proposing unity with other organisations). So far, different organisations decided to go their own ways; the UBGEA on its part has been pursuing its political and diplomatic agenda to find a solution to the Gurkha problems. 

During the course of the campaign (over one and a half decade now) we have had some individuals who popped out of the blue, made some noises and disappeared for good, however, the campaigning organisations have steadily moved forward albeit with their own agendas. There have been successes e.g. GAESO and BGWS led campaigns yet with regards to pension matters, the MOD has got the better of us so far. NESA, although less active in the UK, have not missed opportunities to speak their mind out in Nepal and UBGEA is pressing for political and diplomatic solutions. Considering the current situation, we all now realise that a united front will make a positive difference in deciding our destiny.

Most of our well wishers in this campaign as well as intellectuals and few Gurkha organisations have called for Unity and some also suggested that Col Hamis Adams to lead a “United Campaign”. I fully appreciate the name being suggested for the lead role. Col Hamis undoubtedly has the depth of knowledge required for the campaign, has been the Commanding Officer of Gurkhas that is an added weight and is a British national and therefore will have the balanced but firm approach to solve the problems. People will listen and believe him more than they may believe us. His sworn statement alone carries enough weight to convince a judge and jury to sympathise on Gurkhas and we would have no hesitation in supporting his lead role .

However, we also have to be realistic in terms of his availability to lead the campaign owing to his geographical location. No matter how advance we are in terms of communication and modern technology the nature of the Campaign will require his frequent attendance in various lobbying, meetings, debates and road shows!!  Therefore (a) Travelling from the Philippines frequently would be both financially and physically demanding and (b) leading a Campaign from Philippines would be both ineffective and irrational. Unless someone suggests better ways, the UBGEA is of the view that given the current location of Col Hamis the Gurkha campaigners should request him to be the Chief Advisor for the Campaign and use his knowledge and expertise to take the Campaign to a logical end.

Now that we have all tried and tested various legal approaches to tackle the British Government, the UBGEA once again calls upon all major Gurkha organisations to give their full backing to the UBGEA’s call for UNITY and collectively pursue both Political and Diplomatic efforts – who knows, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!!!

-Deepak Maskey

 General Secretary

 UBGEA