Kathmandu, September 14
Nepal’s government should propose to India that it set aside 50 per cent of seats in the Gurkha Regiment for Madheshis, Terai Madhesh Sadbhawana Party chief Mahindra Yadav has demanded.
Yadav, one of the top leaders of the Madheshi Morcha, also demanded that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is heading to New Delhi tomorrow, put forward the proposal during Dahal’s meeting with his Indian counterpart.
According to sources, Yadav brought the issue up during an all-party meeting convened by the Prime Minister ahead of his visit to the Indian capital.
Yadav told Onlinekhabar, “We have said that Madheshis should get proportional representation in the Gurkha Regiment. I have suggested that Madhesis be given 50 per cent of the seats.”
Yadav said the deal to send Nepalis to enlist in the Indian Army was signed during the rule of the British, and as Nepal has become a republic, India should give equal opportunity to Madheshis to join the army, he said.
He said he demanded that at least 50 per cent of the beneficiaries from the India-financed job-oriented skill development programme, which is likely to be announced during the visit, be Madheshis. “As Madheshis also bear the burden of any loan Nepal government gets, they should also get a share of the benefits,” he added.
