Kent News - Ab Fab star backs Gurkha widow facing deportation

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Ab Fab star backs Gurkha widow facing deportation

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Joanna Lumley

Colour Sergeant Krishna Dura

Joanna Lumley has condemned threats to deport the family of a Kent-based Gurkha soldier killed in Afghanistan last month.

The former Absolutely Fabulous star is backing a national campaign to secure equal rights for the Nepalese fighters, and said it was unthinkable that the wife and children of a war hero should have to worry about being asked to leave their home.

Colour Sergeant Krishnabahadur Dura, of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, based at Shorncliffe Barracks, Folkestone, died last month in the Musa Qala district of Helmand Province when the vehicle he was travelling in hit a roadside bomb.

Now his widow Uma and the couple’s two young daughters face deportation.

Speaking exclusively to KOS Media, Lumley said: “This man lost his life fighting in the British Army. He is yet another example of the magnificent service that the Gurkhas have given to us over generations.

“It is unthinkable that his family should have to worry about whether they will be allowed to stay in Britain.

“I am calling on the Government to end the uncertainty and announce their right to live with us immediately. Everyone in our country owes this brave soldier and his family a debt of honour.”

C/Sgt Dura, 36, came from the Lamjung district of Nepal and was enlisted into the British Army in 1992.

He was quickly promoted through the ranks and then selected for the Gurkha Reinforcement Company with 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment.

He served with distinction before joining The Royal Gurkha Rifles in 1997.

An experienced senior non-commissioned officer, C/Sgt Dura had tours in Bosnia Herzegovina, East Timor, Sierra Leone (twice) and was on his third tour to Afghanistan.

He was promoted to Colour Sergeant last year and singled out for selection to form the battalion’s sniper platoon.

C/Sgt Dura’s wife and children live in Canterbury MP Julian Brazier’s constituency, and the Tory politician has also given his backing for them to be allowed to stay in the UK.

He said: “I am appalled and outraged that anyone could think it fair or humane even to think of treating the family of a fallen hero this way.

“Krishna Dura, who has made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of his country, should be able to rest in the knowledge that that country will treat his dependants in a fair and honourable manner.

“His wife has long been settled here and both his children were born here.

“This is therefore their home and I urge the Government to treat their case with the compassion and humanity that it deserves. I have written to the Home Office minister myself, urging that they should be allowed to stay.”

POSTED: 14/12/2008 12:00:00

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