INTRODUCTION

Kirat Yakthung Chumlung United Kingdom (KYC UK) is a social organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting Yakthung culture and customs while also supporting the welfare of the Limbu community. The Limbu people identify themselves as Yakthung, and the term “Chumlung” means to gather or to assemble for a good purpose. Hence, the organisation is named Kirat Yakthung Chumlung. While the name is recognised internationally, the organisation operates independently in accordance with the regulations of each country where it exists.

The Limbu community in the UK primarily originates from the eastern part of Nepal. Their connection with the British dates back to 1815 during the Anglo-Nepal War when many Limbu people served as Gurkha soldiers. The Limbus are an indigenous group from Nepal and were the original rulers of its eastern regions. Gurkha soldiers, renowned worldwide for their bravery, have been serving Britain for 210 years (as of 2024). Among the Gurkhas, nearly a quarter of the soldiers are Limbu.

Historically, the British gained 36 out of 66 colonies after the Gurkhas joined their forces. During World War I and World War II, approximately half a million Gurkha soldiers served, and around one hundred thousand sacrificed their lives for Britain. Between 1914 and 1918, during World War I, Nepal provided the British with support, including half a million soldiers, machine guns, and £90,333 in cash. The historical ties between Nepal and Britain began with the East India Company, which ruled neighbouring India. After the world wars, Gurkhas were involved in various conflicts, including the Malayan Emergency, the Falklands War, Iraq, Afghanistan, and almost every British military engagement.

Initially, Gurkhas served under the East India Company in India. After India’s independence, many Gurkhas moved to Malaya and Hong Kong. When the bases in Malaya and Hong Kong were closed, their units relocated to the UK. Some retired Gurkhas campaigned for equal pay and pensions. On September 30, 2004, British Prime Minister Tony Blair announced that Gurkhas who had served in the British Army would have the right to settle in the UK. This sparked significant debate, culminating in a week-long discussion in the British Parliament. On April 29, 2009, a vote of 266 to 246 granted Gurkhas and their families the right to settle in the UK. Prime Minister Blair acknowledged, “The Gurkhas have made an enormous contribution, and it is important that their commitment and sacrifice are recognised.”

KYC UK members primarily consist of retired British Gurkha soldiers and their families. As of December 8, 2024, KYC UK has approximately 2,910 registered members, with an estimated total of 15,000 Limbus residing in the UK, including non-registered individuals. Many Limbu Gurkhas are settled in Southeast England, in towns such as Ashford, Folkestone, Maidstone, Rushmoor, and Basingstoke, as well as other parts of the UK.

KYC UK was established in 2003 and has held 11 general conventions to elect its leadership. It is registered as a company under the name Kirat Yakthung Chumlung UK Limited (Company Number: 07867712). While it operates as a company, KYC UK governs itself through its own constitution and regulations. The organisation’s property and office are located in Southeast England, in Yalding, Maidstone.

Kirat Yakthung Chumlung UK is committed:

To undertake various activities for the upliftment of the Limbu community, including the promotion of their language including the Sirijonga script, literature and culture.

To assist with and organise activities addressing social and welfare-related issues, and to support the development of Limbu people living in the UK.

To conduct effective fundraising programmes to benefit the community and foster friendship with local communities in the UK. To promote integration within diverse communities. To develop and maintain friendly relationships with other ethnic groups and communities, and to contribute to the consolidation of democracy, national unity, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

To work towards the promotion of human rights, indigenous rights, and the rights of women and children.

To foster relationships between Yakthung Chumlung UK and other Yakthung Chumlung organisations around the world.