Imphal: Concerns have surfaced over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Manipur, with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and tribal organisations alleging procedural difficulties that could affect the fairness and accessibility of the exercise.
Several IDPs displaced by the ethnic violence since May 3, 2023, have reportedly been asked to submit Permanent Residence Certificates (PRCs) as part of the electoral roll revision process. According to sources, the certificates must be issued by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the district where the voters are enrolled, a requirement many displaced persons say is difficult to fulfil.
For many IDPs, returning to their home districts remains a major challenge due to the prevailing security situation. For instance, Meitei families displaced from Churachandpur said travelling back to the district to obtain PRCs from the Deputy Commissioner’s office is practically impossible, making it difficult for them to complete the verification process.
The issue has reportedly affected the revision process in Churachandpur district, where 727 Meitei voters were excluded from the draft electoral roll during the ongoing exercise.
Another concern relates to language and script. Sources said several Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) are unable to read or write the Bengali script in which the existing electoral rolls are printed. Although Manipur officially adopted Meitei Mayek years ago in place of Bengali for the Meitei language, many electoral records continue to be maintained in the older script, creating difficulties for field officials responsible for verifying and updating voter details.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous Tribes Advocacy Committee (ITAC) of Pherzawl and Jiribam districts has called on the Election Commission and the authorities to ensure that the Special Intensive Revision is conducted in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner, particularly in tribal-dominated areas.
In a statement, ITAC noted that the ethnic conflict between the Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities remains unresolved despite government interventions, with thousands of affected people continuing to live in relief camps and temporary shelters.
The committee urged officials involved in the SIR exercise to ensure that the rights of tribal communities are protected and that the revision process remains free from discrimination or bias.
ITAC further said that an acceptable political and administrative solution for the tribal communities of Jiribam and Pherzawl has yet to be achieved, making normal coexistence difficult under the prevailing circumstances.
The organisation also cautioned against unrestricted movement across areas inhabited by different communities, warning that such movement could heighten tensions. It stated that it would not be responsible for any untoward incidents arising from individuals entering tribal areas despite the prevailing security situation.
Appealing for restraint, ITAC urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and work towards a just, peaceful and lasting resolution to the conflict while ensuring that the electoral revision process remains credible and inclusive.