Famed Nepalese Fighters Sue, Alleging Racism
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BRITAIN
Nepal’s Gurkha soldiers accused Britain of colonial racism and took the Defense Ministry to court, claiming that they have been unfairly treated over pay and pensions.
The Gurkhas, who hail from the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, have served in the British army for almost 200 years and, with their trademark curved knives, known as kukris, have long enjoyed a reputation as fearsome fighters.
In recent years, they have served in conflicts ranging from the Persian Gulf War to the U.S.-led campaign in the Yugoslav province of Kosovo.
But despite their bravery, the Ministry of Defense has never accorded the Gurkhas equal pension rights with regular British soldiers.
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