Nepali VC recipient, served in Indian army, dies

Kathmandu, Mar 2 (UNI) Bhanubhakta Gurung, one of the recipients of Britain's highest military honour Victoria Cross (VC), passed away at the age of 85 last night.

Gurung had joined the Indian Army in 1940 during the British rule and was deployed against the Japanese in the ongoing Second World War.

Gurung was awarded the VC in recognition of his skills and bravery to save his battalion in the battle with the Japanese.

As soon as the Second World War ended, Gurung resigned from the military because of his abhorrence towards a war during which he witnessed the deaths of thousands of people.

Terminating his six years in the military, he also vowed never to kill anyone, Kantipur quoted his family sources as saying.

An asthma patient since long back, Gurung had been confined to bed for the last four years after becoming unable to walk.

A total of 13 Gurkha soldiers have received the Vitoria Cross specially fighting in the Indian army during the British rule.

UNI XC PD ND1258