Nepali youths, former Gorkha soldiers and their family members have taken to the streets in Pokhara, demanding the resumption of recruitment of Nepalese citizens into the Indian Army under the Agnipath scheme. The protesters said young Nepalis should get the option to serve in the Indian Army as Agniveers instead of being forced to look for jobs in Gulf countries.

The protest took place in Pokhara this week ahead of Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth's scheduled visit to Nepal on Sunday. The recruitment of Gorkha soldiers has long been one of the strongest links between India and Nepal. However, the recruitment process has remained suspended since 2019.

The recruitment was initially paused during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nepal later stopped the process after India introduced the Agnipath scheme in 2022. Under the scheme, recruits serve for four years. The Indian Army can retain up to 25 per cent of them for permanent service after the four years.

The remaining 75 per cent leave the service after four years. They receive a one-time lump-sum payment but do not get pensions or other long-term career benefits. The Nepalese government had opposed the scheme and halted recruitment, saying it did not fit with the provisions of the 1947 Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal and Britain.

The latest protests reflect growing interest among young Nepalis in joining the Indian Army despite the changes brought by the Agnipath scheme. Nepal has limited employment opportunities, prompting many young people to look for work abroad. Protesters now want the government led by Balendra (Balen) Shah in Kathmandu to restart recruitment under the new system.

The rally in Pokhara, a major tourism centre in western Nepal, was organised by the Indian Ex-Servicemen Gorkha Brigade Nepal. Former Gorkha soldiers, their family members and youths who had received training to join foreign armies took part in the protest.

The protesters carried placards calling for the reopening of recruitment under the Agnipath scheme. They said the return of the recruitment process would help protect employment opportunities for Nepali youths. They also linked the demand to the long-standing identity and tradition of Gorkha soldiers in the Indian Army.

According to a report by news agency IANS, the protesters specifically said Nepali youths should be allowed to serve as Agniveers rather than having to seek employment in Gulf countries. They argued that restarting recruitment would give young people another career option and help preserve the connection between Nepal and the Indian Army.

The protesters also raised concerns about organisations representing former soldiers. They demanded that the registration of organisations carrying the term "ex-servicemen" should not be stopped. According to the protesters, such organisations play an important role in protecting the dignity, rights and interests of former soldiers.

The rally began at Pokhara Stadium and moved towards the District Administration Office. The organisers later submitted a memorandum to the Chief District Officer of Kaski. A large gathering was present when the memorandum was handed over.

The demand comes at a time when the future of Gorkha recruitment under the Agnipath system remains a key issue between India and Nepal. For the protesting youths and former soldiers, the recruitment process is linked not only to employment but also to the long-standing Gorkha military tradition. They are now pressing Nepal's government to reconsider its position and allow young Nepalis to seek service in the Indian Army under the current recruitment system.