Dual citizenship: Patel backs NRIs’ demand

Patel said these matters were 'engaging the mind and attention' of the govt.

Throwing his weight behind the NRIs’ demand for dual citizenship,Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has said the issue is “engaging the mind and attention” of the Indian government.

Dual citizenship is not a new phenomenon and India “should also be joining that club (of nations),” Patel said at a Town Hall meeting on the occasion of the launch of the North America unit of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in New York City.

Patel said he and Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar,who was also present here,”fully supported” the NRIs’ demand for dual citizenship and promised to take it up in New Delhi.

With issues like dual citizenship and visa problems emerging as main concerns of the Indian-Americans,Patel said these matters were “engaging the mind and attention” of the government,which is also dealing with terrorism and security threats.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

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Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

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