Kirat Yakthung Chumlung United Kingdom (KYC UK) is a social organization 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 organization is named Kirat Yakthung Chumlung. While the name is recognized internationally, the organization 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 Limbu 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 neighboring 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 recognized.”
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 organization’s property and office are located in Southeast England, in Yalding, Maidstone.
Aims of Kirat Yakthung Chumlung UK
To undertake various activities for the upliftment of the Limbus, their language include Kirat-Sirijonga script, literature, religion and culture.
To conduct research on subjects related to Limbus and promote awareness among them.
To assist and organize various activities of social and welfare related problems and development of Limbus for those living in the UK.
To conduct effective charity programmes to benefit and foster friendship with local communities in the UK. To develop and promote friendly relationship with other ethnic groups and communities, and enhance work for the consolidation of democracy, national unity and preservation of the culture of the community.
To conduct awareness programmes against drug abuse.
To plan and carry out appropriate Programmes in order to wipe out superstition and ignorance of people about health problems both in UK and Nepal.
To work for human rights, indigenous rights and women and child right.
To foster the Yakthung Chumlung UK’s relationship with other Yakthung Chumlung societies throughout the world.
Memorandum of Association of Kirat Yakthung Chumlung UK Limited >>>