Ex-Gorkhas warn of stir if Maoists close down recruitment centers

Ex- Gorkha soldiers have warned of countrywide protests against the Maoist announcement of closing down the "Gorkha recruitment centers," reports Kantipur daily.

Saying that over 2,50,000 families would be directly affected if such centers were closed without making arrangements for alternative employment, they called upon the Maoist leadership to take back their "suicidal" decision.

"This is a suicidal decision of the Maoist party," said Gopalman Gurung, former mayor of Lekhnath Municipality while speaking at a function organised by Nepal-India Friendship Association in Pokhara on Saturday. "I am disappointed with the Maoists' decision of closing down Gorkha recruitment centers which have long been a backbone of the country's economy."

He warned that the former Gorkhas won't also remain quiet if the Maoists go ahead with their decision after forming the government under their leadership.

Gurung said over 50,000 former Gorkha soldiers will take to the streets if the centers are indeed closed.

"The Maoists will then have to pay a very heavy price," he said.

The former Gorkhas said they plan to organise protest programmes in Kathmandu, Pokhara, Butwal and other cities against the Maoist announcement. nepalnews.com July 06 08