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Gurkha Tul Bahadur Pun VC is to be allowed to settle in the UK!
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said:

"The circumstances surrounding Tul Bahadur Pun's case are clearly exceptional, and in the light of this the Home Secretary, John Reid, and I have reviewed the case and made the decision to grant Mr Pun a settlement visa immediately. This decision was not taken lightly and reflects the extraordinary nature of this case, in particular Mr Pun's heroic record in service of Britain which saw him awarded the Victoria Cross. It is entirely right that this record should not only be recognised but honoured. There has always been scope to grant settlement in the UK to ex-Gurkhas who have retired before July 1997, and who do not meet the requirements in the immigration rules. As on this occasion, discretion may be exercised on a case by case basis. We have also taken into consideration his current medical condition."

This is great news which I hope shows that this country has not totally gone to the dogs. Let's hope Mr Pun VC enjoys his remaining years in comfort

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Harry trains with Gurkhas to improve fighting
By Sophie Borland
Prince Harry is taking part in intensive training with the Gurkhas to improve his fighting skills
The Gurkhas are renowned for their bravery and strength
The prince, 22, is currently serving as an officer in the Blues and Royals but is said to be joining the prestigious Nepalese brigade for a short period.

He is reportedly undergoing a four-day exercise with the 3rd Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles in the Brecon Beacons, Wales.

The Gurkhas, historically from the Himalayan mountain region of Nepal, are renowned for their bravery and strength.

Recruited by the British Army for more than 200 years, they were first enlisted to fight against uprisings in India in the eighteenth century.

advertisementThey were thought to be naturally warlike and aggressive in battle, and to possess qualities like courage, loyalty, self sufficiency.

Last night neither the Ministry of Defence or Clarence House would comment on the prince’s current whereabouts but military sources suggested he was taking part in a special operation with the Gurkhas.

Harry, who holds the rank of 2nd lieutenant, has remained on training exercises in Britain since the rest of his unit was deployed to Iraq two months ago.

The head of the Army made a last minute decision not to post the prince alongside his regiment as Iraq had become increasingly dangerous.

There were also "specific threats' relating directly to Prince Harry as an individual in Iraq, the Army said.

The decision disappointed Prince Harry, who had been determined to see action on the front line, and confirmed the prince's greatest fear of being treated differently to his comrades.

"The last thing I said was `There's no way I'm going to put myself through Sandhurst and then sit on my sorry arse back home while my boys are out fighting for their country'," he said last year.
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Prince Harry to join Gurkhas
Bored with his own regiment, who abandoned him because of his terrible affliction, Prince Harry has signed up to train with one of the British armies most fearsome fighting units - The Gurkhas.

Due to his gingerness that would have presented him to Iraqi insurgents like a belisha beacon with a "shoot me" sign hanging off it, Harry's regiment decided that they'd rather not get killed along side him, and left him at home.

Now he's off to the Welsh valleys to learn how to kill a tank with a Khukuri - The Gurkha's infamous curved blade. And in the unlikely event that Harry is sent to serve in the Gurkhas in their homeland, Nepal, I've devised a list that will stave off the boredom of not getting to kill stuff.

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Prince set to be Gurkha Harry

By JAMIE PYATT
July 09, 2007

SOLDIER Prince Harry has joined one of the most fearsome units in the British Army — the Gurkhas.

Harry, an officer with posh cavalry regiment the Blues and Royals, is doing a spell with the legendary fighters to learn their killer expertise.

Yesterday he was driven to the Brecon Beacons in Wales with men of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles for a four-day exercise.

He will take part in every aspect of the operation and an insider said: “To all intents and purposes he will be a Gurkha.”

He joined the tough men from Nepal — who have struck terror into Britain’s enemies for 200 years — looking ready for action kitted out in full camouflage gear.

At the end of the exercise Harry, a 22-year-old 2nd lieutenant whose own unit has gone to Iraq without him because of fears for his safety, will be presented with an honorary kukri — the curved knife of the Gurkhas.

An insider said: “Harry will be told that when the kukri leaves its sheath it can never be returned without blood being drawn.”

The Gurkhas’ terrifying reputation stems from the early 1800s, when they were recruited as allies to British forces in India.

In jungles during World War II they were said to have crept in among sleeping Japanese to slit the throats of every man but one — leaving him to wake and spread panic.

In the Falklands, Argentinian soldiers reportedly fled their positions as soon as they heard the Gurkhas were coming.

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VC Winner Pun at Prime Ministers Office on Downing Street..
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thanks for the update .this is a real proud moment for us nepalese .Tul Bahadur Pun VC ,the first ever nepali to get guard of honor .wow

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STATEMENT BY TUL BAHADUR PUN VC ON THE OCCASION OF HIS ARRIVAL IN THE UK

July 5th, 2007
I am very tired following the very long journey from my village in Nepal to London over
the past few days and have therefore asked my solicitor to make this statement on my
behalf.
First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the British people for granting
me the privilege to come and live amongst them in a country, which I have fought fo
r and love.
When I was originally refused permission to come to the UK I was very upset and felt
that I had been rejected by Britain. When I heard about the incredible campaign of
support that had been organized by the British Public and British Armed forces I was stunned and overjoyed. I knew then for certain that the British public, soldiers, sailors and airmen still valued me and the loyalty that I and other Gurkha veterans had shown to Britain.
I am certain that this victory would not have been possible without the overwhelming
and generous support of the Great British Public; my brothers and sisters in arms in the
British Armed Forces both past and present; the Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen’s
Organisation; MPs such as John MacDonald and Anne Widdecome; Joanna Lumley; the
British press and in particular the Daily Mirror; Virgin Airlines for bringing me here; the
Renaissance hotel for hosting this welcome; RAF nurse Jill Pitts for taking such good
care of me and my solicitors Howe & Co.
I consider myself as a simple man and the thousands of letters and emails that have
been sent by British People in support of my Gurkha veteran comrades and me have humbled me.
I will never forget the 45,000 Gurkhas killed in battle fighting along side our British
brothers, nor will I ever forget my British brothers and sisters who have laid-down their lives fighting alongside the Brigade of Gurkhas in numerous battles and wars over the
last 200 years.
I think that, in life, it is the greatest honour to be a Gurkha, because it is the greatest
honour to serve the British people and our Brigade.
Now that I have been allowed to come to Britain to be with my old comrades and to receive medical treatment, I will do my best to be a credit to Britain.
Despite my age, I will do my best to help the plight of my fellow British Army Gurkha veterans who live in poverty in Nepal. It is saddening to me that so many brave men of my Brigade, including veterans who were badly injured fighting in the Falklands war, have to rely on charity to get their basic living and health needs.
I do not ask anything of Britain, or its people, save to help me get a little medical care
now that I am old. However, I do have one request for Britain, a country which I love so
much, and that is to ask if your great country can please look at the plight of my
veteran Gurkha comrades in arms and the injustice they continue to face when asking for permission to come to Britain when they, like me, have fought for British freedom
against the forces of tyranny but happened to have retired from the British Army before 1997.
I never left any of my comrades on the battlefield, British or Gurkha, and I will not abandon my veteran Gurkha comrades now in their hour of need, when I have been granted the privilege to live in Great Britain.
From the bottom of my heart, I am deeply touched by the support shown to me by the people of Great Britain, and across the world, and I give you my most solemn thanks.

Sincerely,

Honorary Lieutenant Tul Bahadur Pun VC

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गोर्खालीलाई फेरी अर्को झापु ब्रिटिश रक्षा मन्त्रालयबाट
निब्रिटीवरण पेन्सनमा हेरफेर हुने संभावना कमी...
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MOD and Downing Street respond to press reports over Gurkha pensions
10 Jul 07
The Ministry of Defence and No 10 Downing Street have responded to press speculation that there would be a further review of the benefits for former Gurkhas following a visit to the Prime Minister by Honourary Lieutenant Tulbahadur Pun VC.
Ministry of Defence
No 10 Downing Street said:

"The PM was honoured and delighted to meet the Hon Lt Tul Pun VC last week.

"In the course of their conversation the Hon Lt Tul Pun raised a number of issues. The PM reassured Hon Lt Tul Pun VC that MOD officials had recently returned from Nepal where they met Gurkha veterans to discuss their concerns, and that the MOD was considering the issues they raised.

"At no point, however, did the PM undertake to order a review of the benefits received by former Gurkhas."

The Ministry of Defence said:

"The Ministry of Defence has completed a full and comprehensive review of Gurkha terms and Conditions of Service, the results of which were announced in March this year.

"The review gives serving and some recently retired Gurkhas access to the same pension benefits as the rest of the Army, and secures the future of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

"The review did not look at the pension or immigration status of those who retired before July 1997, which is a significant date as it marks the point when the Brigade became UK home-based after moving from Hong Kong.

"Gurkhas who retired after July 1997 are able to apply to live in the UK. Those that retired before this date maybe granted settlement in the UK where there are strong reasons why this is appropriate such as, for example, where there is a strong residential or close family tie with the UK.

"The MOD has no plans to have a further review into issues relating to Gurkhas who retired before July 1997.”

Salute to all VC winner Nepalese fighter..

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From where come these warriors with kukris in hand,
led into battle by a stirring pipe band,
They came from the high country by the name of Nepal,
As soldiers deserving the title "Loyal"

Across fields of slaughter in some foreign land,
Over seas, in mountains, desert, jungle and sand,
They fought and they suffered disease, wounds and all,
Sometimes outnumbered with backs to the wall

These men with such pride and willingness to serve,
Have our admiration they richly deserve,
The enemy shudder in positions where they lie,
When out of the dark is heard"AYO GURKHALI"

Out of the gloom they weathered the fire,
Running full speed they never tire,
With kukris drawn at defences they rushed,
Position is soon taken,the enemy crushed

These smart friendly men in the khaki slouch hat,
Are the best we have served with there is no doubt of that,
Salute "Johny Gurkha" a soldier so brave,
Medals for gallantry,lives willingly gave

To these brave young warriors who came from Nepal,
We respect you, salute you, to you we owe all,
May your heroism flourish of deeds you have done,
In our hearts and memories you will never be gone

Regiments disappearing and soldiers grow old,
Lets remember this motto to be written in gold,
Arise "Johny Gurkha" to your rightful place,
The best fighting soldier in the whole human race.

Harry Power
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MY FRIENDS BEFORE THE BATTLE AT IRAQ!



IT'S GOOD TO KNOW THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE THE SAME BENEFITS AND EVEN THE UK
RESIDENCE AND EVENTUALLY THE CITIZENSHIP.
IT HAS BEEN A LONG STRUGGLE FOR OUR GURKHA ANCESTORS AND LOT OF SACRIFICES
MADE BY THEM SO THAT WE THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF "BRAVEST OF THE BRAVES"
HAS BETTER LIFE THAN THEM.

MY SALUTE TO ALL THE GURKHAS, PAST AND PRESENT.

JAI GURKHAS.
PROUD OF BEING GURKHA BLOODLINE.

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Museum defends keeping Gurkha VC

A Hampshire museum today defended keeping a Victoria Cross after the veteran who won it for his heroic service during the Second World War appealed to have it returned.

Gurkha Tul Bahadur Pun was awarded the rare medal for his bravery in Burma in 1944 after he charged a Japanese machine gun nest which had attacked his platoon.

But in 1974, the regimental trust of the 6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles paid Mr Pun 40,000 rupees, the equivalent of £300 today, for the VC to be taken into safekeeping.

advertisementIt is now on display in the Gurkha Museum in Winchester, where it was sent following the amalgamation of the 6th Gurkhas with other regiments to form the Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Mr Pun, 84, said he believed the payment had only been a loan.

His lawyer, Martin Howe, said: 'The medal is his - he risked his life for it. He did not understand he would not get it back.' Major Gerald Davies, curator of the museum, said the medal had been purchased by the regimental trust to inspire future soldiers.

He said: 'It was bought in 1974 by the regimental trust. It was paid for with the sole aim that the medal would be hung in the guardsroom to inspire soldiers in the future with the deeds of heroism.

'To say it was loaned was incorrect. He was given an advance of money to build a house. He did receive a payment and there are invoices.' Maj Davies said the medal was handed to the museum for safekeeping in 2003 because of the deployment responsibilities faced by the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
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LET ME HOLD MY VC
Gurkha hero Pun in new battle to get back medal
Exclusive by Rebecca Evans 16/07/2007
VETERAN Gurkha Tul Bahadur Pun gazes longingly at his Victoria Cross in a museum - 30 years after it was taken from him for "safekeeping."

Pun, 84, came to Britain last week from his home in Nepal for medical treatment after a Mirror campaign overturned a callous decision to deny him citizenship rights despite his heroic service.

But now the frail veteran, who is nearly blind, is being forced into a new battle as he tries to get his VC back.

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Pun went to see his medal on display in a case at the Gurkha Museum in Winchester.

Museum chiefs use a picture of Pun on their leaflet - but when asked if he could hold it they refused.

Sad Pun said afterwards: "It is mine. I want it back. I must have it back.

"I am glad to have seen it after so long but my eyesight isn't good enough and I couldn't see it clearly through the glass."

Pun, who has heart problems and diabetes, won his VC in Burma in 1944 after he charged a Japanese machine gun nest that had wiped out his platoon.

In 1974 the Army sent Pun a letter about the medal - although he does not read - and then an officer visited him in his hut in Nepal. He said: "The officer said the medal was too valuable to be in my possession and the Army would hold it for safekeeping."

Some time later he received a payment of 40,000 rupees - the equivalent of about £500 today - which he believed was a loan. A Victoria Cross sold at auction last year for £500,000. Pun's lawyer Martin Howe said: "The medal is his - he risked his life for it. He did not understand he would not get it back."

Museum trustee chairman Christopher Bullock said: "The medal was bought from Mr Pun for the market value at the time. It is on display here for the world to see and serves as an inspiration."

His VC is held at the museum with another 10 of his medals. Pun is one of only 13 living VC winners.

Each VC is made from the bronze of a Crimean War cannon. There is only enough metal left to make around 35 more.
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Hi All:

Good to see a lot of discussions going on here about Pun VC. I have posted a few information on this topic on my blog too. A recent letter from their lawyer about how Britain's top doctors readily made appointment for him, and how even porters of hospitals knew him , in addition to a brief history of Gurkha regiment too. Hope you will enjoy it. please visit www.bpoudel.blogspot.com !

HEY SAYAMI R U RELATED TO MR. PUN??? OR R UR PARENTS OR FAMILY MEMBERS FROM THE BRITISH ARMY??? IF THEY ARE THEN FROM WHICH REGIMENT???

Mr Santosh Gurung in Minnesota, USA, is planning to create a website on the Gurkhas/Gorkhas. Therefore, these threads on at least one happy aspect of Nepal at present should be great materials for his website. Let's wish him all success in his great and worthy endeavor and contribute all we can to his initiative.
 
Sincerely
 
Peter J. Karthak
Chief Copy Editor
The Kathmandu Post/City Post
Subidha Nagar, Kathmandu

DO U KNOW WAT HIS WEBSITE IS??

Thankyou Peter daju for your support.

The website url is: http://www.gurkhas.com. 

Your participation and contribution is important. Hope to see you online soon.

Best Regards,

Santosh Gurung

Minneapolis, Minnesota