Gurkha Tul Bahadur Pun: Payback Time
Gurkha Tul Bahadur Pun, now aged 84 and suffering a variety of conditions which require daily medication – not always available in Nepal – has applied to come and live in Britain. His application has been rejected because of ‘failure to demonstrate strong ties with the UK’
http://www.dcthomson.co.uk/mags/post/margo.htm
Whereas, ‘membership of the EU allows rights of residence and access to the NHS to old soldiers who fought on the German side during the war.’ , Gurkha Tul Bahadur Pun, awarded the Victoria Cross in 1944 for his bravery fighting the Japanese in Burma is denied that right.
For many years, the Gurkas have been loyal friends of this country and have fought in many a campaign alongside British forces. Many would think they had amply demonstrated ‘strong ties with the UK’
We have treated them shabbily in return – paying them less than the British comrades they fight alongside, and awarding them a pittance of a pension. While there has been some slight improvement in their pay and conditions recently they are apparently denied the right to reside in UK. In an early posting to the new Forums, Paul suggested creating an Anorak-sponsored pettion to the UK Government on a suitable subject. Can I suggest a petition allowing Gurkas who have fought for this country should be granted the right to live here?
http://www.anorak.co.uk/forums/
Posted: 27th, May 2007 | In: Reviews Comments (8) | TrackBack | Permalink
