SOMALA: Enrollment must be in conformity with 6th Schedule

A conglomeration of various social organizations in the state including KSU, FKJGP, ACWO, RBYF, AISU, HNYF, GAC, JSU, JYF and the Dorbar Ki Khlieh Nongsynshar Ka Ri Hynniewtrep, the SOMALA representation to the union government is yet to elicit a response from the center.

The organization has also submitted the same representation to the Chief Election Commission of India on May 15 requesting him that the “electoral guidelines be read in conjunction with the land and customary laws practices of Meghalaya.

The representation to Singh says, “We urged the Centre to intervene into the process of enrollment of voters in the state keeping in mind the interest of the tribal people of the state.”

SOMALA feels that the recent directive of the Election Commission of India that a person is eligible for enrolling as voter in one state if he has shifted from another state is against the mandate of the of the sixth schedule of the Indian Constitution.

The SOMALA said, “The election guidelines of the Election Commission will generate migrant voters armed with EPIC who will be on the look-out for settlement whereas settlement is barred by land tenure system in Meghalaya.” The representation said that this ticklish problem could be resolved only if the election guidelines are read in conjunction with the land laws of the state.” – By Our Reporter

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