KATHMANDU, Feb. 19 -- The tradition of the recruitment of Gorkha Soldiers locally known as 'Lahure' in Nepali society is about two hundred years old. Nepalis currently working abroad are, in one way or another, giving continuity to the same Lahure tradition. In the past, it was believed that one was going to be a Lahure if one crossed the border at Sunauli. One going to join the British Gurkha or the Indian Gurkha army is considered a 'Lahure' even today.

Some Nepali youths who fought in the Nepal-British war (1871-72) and the subsequent war, reached Lahore to join the army of King Ranjit Singh of Punjab. The term 'Lahure' is commonly associated with Lahore.

Since Nepalis joined King Ranjit's army, 'Lahure' has become not only a traditi...