Stalin Appeals for Citizenship Rights for Sri Lankan Tamils

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reverse executive orders hampering Sri Lankan Tamils in the state from acquiring Indian citizenship. Stating that over 40% were born on Indian soil, Stalin sought waivers for documents like passports when applying with Tamil Nadu government-verified credentials.

Stalin pushed for empowering district-level authorities to expedite processing. Citing 1986 instructions as barriers, the CM lamented at the prolonged legal limbo for approximately 89,000 residents, some living in India for over 30 years with no stable legal status.

Tamil Nadu has supported the Sri Lankan Tamils since 1983 due to ethnic strife back home, yet lacks a permanent legal solution for them. Despite integration, many remain without citizenship or long-term visas, Stalin noted.