Kathmandu, April 5

The Communist Party of Nepal (Marxist Leninist), CPN (ML), has expressed its objection to a circular the Ministry of Home Affairs recently issued to chief district officers of all 77 districts.

The circular by MoHA directs CDOs to issue citizenship certificate to the off-springs of Nepali nationals who have acquired citizenship certificates on the basis of birth and on the basis of descent.

A press release issued today by the party General Secretary CP Mainali states that the circular seeks to influence the bill on citizenship amendment under consideration in the Parliament.

Providing citizenship on the basis of descent to non-resident children of non-Nepalis who have acquired citizenship in large numbers based on birth is not in the interest of the nation, reads the press release.

The Parliament is considering the bill to amend the Citizenship Act. The government had tabled the bill in the Parliament on August 8.

CPN (ML) has also called on the government to form a high-level judicial investigation commission to look into citizenship certificates obtained on the basis of birth. It is alleged that a large number of people were issued citizenship certificates on the basis of birth by the past government under pressure from political parties, especially after the 2006 people’s movement.