2,600 Gurkhas gather in Pokhara

KATHMANDU, July 22: More than 2,600 former British soldiers and Nepalese Gurkhas who served in the British army´s Second Gurkha Rifle regiment have been reunited in midwest Nepal to mark 10 years since the regiment was disbanded. [break]



The unit was disbanded in 1994 before the British government returned Hong Kong, where most of them had been stationed, to China.



A military band played as the former soldiers marched inside the tightly guarded British Army Camp in Pokhara. The men, some wearing worn-out uniforms decorated with medals, exchanged stories of their experiences fighting for the British Army around the world.



Organizers kept the celebrations relatively low key because of security concerns. Nepal has been hit hard recently by a deadly Maoist rebel insurgency.



About 120 Britons who served in the regiment traveled to Nepal for the reunion, including Sir John Nott, who was Britain´s defense secretary during the Falklands war. Nepalese Gurkha soldiers - known for their exceptional bravery and their motto, "It is better to die than live a coward" - have been serving in the British army since 1815.

Nearly 3,600 Gurkhas still serve under the British flag.



One of the participants at the celebrations was Bhanu Bhakta Gurung, 82, a recipient of the coveted Victoria Cross - Britain´s highest military decoration given in recognition of exceptional valor.



"This is probably the last time I will get to see all my friends. This is my last chance," Gurung said.



CORRECTION



Due to a technical glitch, this outdated news article was inadvertently published. The error is deeply regretted.

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