OK guys, thanks: I'll pass that on. I tossed this query up on the Brit Militaria forums as well, and the general concensus there was Nepalese too. One member claimed to own two MHs similarly marked. ...and the recent IMA 'cache' was mentioned of course. Thanks for the attempted translation mehulkamdar, if anything else springs to mind I'm sure my friend would be gratefull for any extra info.
Cheers