SHILLONG, MAR 31: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has urged both the Centre and the state government to implement a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to remove illegal immigrants from the voting process, while also seeking an amendment to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 to safeguard the rights of indigenous tribes in Meghalaya.
Speaking after chairing an executive committee meeting on Tuesday, CoMSO chairman Roykupar Synrem said illegal immigration remains a serious concern in the state.
“We cannot deny the fact that there is illegal immigration in Meghalaya and these illegal infiltrators have not only encroached or settled on land belonging to indigenous people but many have also managed to take part in the electoral process,” he said.
Synrem stressed the need for a Special Intensive Revision to “purify the electoral roll” and prevent cases of dual voting. He cited instances of residents from border areas of Assam allegedly casting votes in both states.
“Pure electoral roll is the backbone of democracy,” he said, quoting the Chief Election Commissioner.
On the ST Order, 1950, Synrem pointed out that it recognises over 50 tribes in Meghalaya, including those from other northeastern states, allowing them to buy land, contest elections, and conduct business without restrictions.
“This has allowed tribal communities from other states to enjoy the same rights as us, whereas it is not reciprocated for the Khasis, Jaintias, or Garos in other states,” he said.
CoMSO has written to the Union Home Ministry and the Election Commission of India, urging implementation of the SIR and amendment of the ST Order.
Synrem said the organisation will also engage with political parties, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders to raise awareness and build pressure on the government.
“We will be writing to the state government within this week itself and give a deadline for taking up these issues with the Centre, the ECI, and the concerned authorities,” he said.
He added that CoMSO plans to meet leaders of political parties in the state, who in turn will take up the matter with their respective MLAs.
