The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to immediately conduct a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Meghalaya to ensure that only “genuine” citizens are eligible to vote.
In a memorandum addressed to both Union Home Minister and Chief Election Commissioner (CEO) Gyanesh Kumar, CoMSO chairman Roy Kupar Synrem highlighted that Meghalaya, being a sensitive border state sharing an international boundary with Bangladesh, has long faced concerns over illegal immigration, infiltration, and the possible inclusion of non-citizens and ineligible persons in electoral rolls, which poses a serious threat to democratic integrity.
Citing the Election Commission’s emphasis on “pure electoral rolls” as the foundation of democracy, the CoMSO chairman stressed that any inclusion of illegal immigrants or non-citizens undermines the rule of law and the electoral process.
Synrem pointed out that in a tribal-majority state like Meghalaya, such lapses could have grave consequences for the political rights, identity, and future of indigenous communities.
Referring to the growing public apprehension, particularly in border and migration-affected areas, regarding the authenticity of electoral rolls, he called for a transparent, time-bound, and comprehensive verification process to restore public confidence.
Regarding the constitutional provisions and laws governing voter registration, including the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the CoMSO chairman asserted that only eligible Indian citizens should be enrolled as voters.
He further cautioned that failure to cleanse electoral rolls of doubtful or ineligible entries could prejudice lawful electors, undermine democracy, and compromise the credibility of elections.
Synrem has urged the Government of India and the Election Commission to initiate the SIR in Meghalaya with a special focus on border districts and infiltration-prone regions.
He also sought strict verification of entries, removal of illegal and doubtful voters, and safeguards to prevent harassment or wrongful exclusion of genuine citizens.
