Kathmandu, August 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A group of Nepali youths and families of former Indian Army personnel staged a rally in Pokhara on Wednesday, demanding that Nepal allow its citizens to enlist in the Indian Army as Agniveers under the Agnipath recruitment scheme.
Recruitment of Nepali Gorkhas into the Indian Army has remained suspended since 2019. The process was initially disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and was subsequently halted by Nepal after India introduced the Agnipath scheme in 2022.
Under the Agnipath scheme, up to 25 per cent of recruits are retained for permanent service after four years. The remaining 75 per cent are released with a one-time financial package and do not receive pensions or other long-term service benefits.
Nepal suspended recruitment of its youths under the scheme, arguing that the new system was inconsistent with the provisions of the 1947 Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal and Britain.
With employment opportunities limited in Nepal, the protesters said many young people remained interested in joining the Indian Army. They urged the Nepali government to reconsider its position and permit recruitment under the current system.
The rally was organised by the Indian Ex-Servicemen Gorkha Brigade Nepal and was attended by former soldiers, their family members and youths who had undergone training to join foreign armies.
Carrying placards, the protesters called for the immediate reopening of recruitment and said Nepali youths should be given the opportunity to serve as Agniveers rather than being forced to seek employment in Gulf countries.
Among their demands was the immediate resumption of the Agnipath recruitment process, which they said was important for employment opportunities as well as preserving the identity and tradition associated with Gorkha soldiers.
The protesters also urged authorities to allow registration of organisations representing former soldiers and using the term “ex-servicemen”. They said such organisations were important for protecting the dignity, rights and interests of veterans.
The rally began at Pokhara Stadium and proceeded to the District Administration Office, where the organisers submitted a memorandum to the Chief District Officer of Kaski in the presence of a large gathering.
FOLLOW NOW
