BJP promises reprieve on dual citizenship, Special Status (Herald)

BJP promises reprieve on dual citizenship, Special Status January 2, 2014 January 2, 2014 TEAM HERALD PANJIM: Shifting gears ahead of Lok Sabha polls, BJP has promised reprieve to lakhs of Goans on the dual citizenship issue and Special Status to Goa, if the party comes to power at the Centre. “Once BJP comes to power, myself, Sripad and the MP elected from South Goa are capable of resolving the issues related to Goa including that of dual citizenship. We will make sure that Goa gets special status for protection of its limited land mass,” Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Wednesday. Goa Assembly, last year unanimously resolved to demand Special Status for Goa under Article 371 of the Constitution to make a provision for the protection of Goa's limited land mass and to resolve problems created by in-migration to the State. Parrikar said that a letter has already been drafted to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh requesting him to take up the issue of dual citizenship with the Portuguese government and make necessary provision to delete the clause in Portuguese law which makes those who were born in Goa before Liberation as Portuguese citizens. “The clause has created unnecessary trouble to thousands of Goans,” he said. Goa was a former Portuguese colony which was liberated and annexed in 1961. “Indian Constitution does not allow dual citizenship, if you voluntarily become the citizen of another country,” Parrikar said, adding that the word “voluntarily” is important as many of the Goans have their birth registered in Portugal without their knowledge. The issue of dual citizenship is haunting government after two ruling MLAs-Glen Ticklo and Caetano Silva are alleged to have dual citizenship. Ministry of Home Affairs has already stated that Caitu ceased to be Indian citizen. Parrikar said that the dual citizenship issue is troubling several lakh Goans, who fear losing their Indian citizenship. “There are cases wherein their births have been registered in Portugal by third person or some agent, without their knowledge,” Parrikar said explaining that such Indians need protection from government. Parrikar said that BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi will also be briefed about this issue during his forthcoming state visit. There are cases wherein births (of Goans born before 1961) have been registered in Portugal by third person or some agent, without their knowledge, said Parrikar http://www.heraldgoa.in/News/Local%20News/BJP-promises-reprieve-on-dual-citizenship-Special-Status/83814.html