Eight Gurkhas were injured in the fight that took place in the compound of their camp off Mount Vernon Road, where they also make their home. They were treated in the camp. No one was seriously hurt.

A police statement released yesterday called it 'an incident of disorderly and boisterous behaviour'. It is being investigated as an internal matter by the police and the Gurkha Contingent command.

According to the statement, before the scuffle, a larger group of officers was discussing issues related to their salary. The statement added: 'Apart from the group which misconducted themselves, the rest were not involved in any acts of indiscipline. Discipline and order were restored the same night.'

No other details were provided.

On the night of the fight, several red trucks of the police Special Operations Command were spotted lining the road leading to the camp. They remained there into the early hours of Saturday morning.

Several senior police officers were also seen outside the camp and public traffic through Mount Vernon Road was restricted for a while.

News of the incident has made its rounds among members of the Nepalese community here, some of whom told The Straits Times that the families of some Gurkhas here were concerned, just like many Singaporeans, about the rising cost of living.

About 2,000 of them serve in the Gurkha contingent here, which was formed in 1949. Their duties here include guarding key installations and VIPs' homes. They live within the camp compound in dormitories and flats.

Singapore has the smallest of three Gurkha contingents who continue a 200-year tradition of serving in the ranks of foreign forces. Some 40,000 Gurkhas serve in the Indian Army and another 3,400 are in the British army.

It has been said that the servicemen, famous for their combat skills, loyalty and courage, earn far more than if they had stayed at home.

Commenting on the incident, Dr Teo Ho Pin, who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for Law and Home Affairs, said it was important to ascertain the 'root of unhappiness' among the Gurkhas and resolve any issues quickly in order to keep their morale high.

Morale was key to a good security system, said Dr Teo. He added that the Gurkhas were 'talent' which Singapore needs to complement its existing security force.

'They have been here for many years and are usually very well-disciplined, no-nonsense officers.'

benjamin@sph.com.sg

joolin@sph.com.sg