SHILLONG, FEB 13: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation has urged the Chief Electoral Officer Dr BDR Tiwari to review the electoral rolls in Meghalaya, citing concerns over the inclusion of unauthorized foreigners in the voter lists.
In a letter submitted on Friday, the HITO president Donbok Dkhar referenced a 1985 petition by late Prof. M.N. Majaw, highlighting the need to apply the Memorandum of Settlement Accord’s principles to address the issue.
Submitting recommendations to the CEO, the HITO has urged the need to take measures to safeguard Meghalaya’s electoral process.
The recommendations include limiting accepted enrolment documentation, excluding Aadhaar cards as sole proof of identification.
“This system may inadvertently facilitate misuse, allowing individuals without legitimate residency status to obtain electoral enrolment,” Dkhar warned.
HITO also advocated for recognizing local documents like village Dorbars, Syiem, Nokma, and clan certificates as valid proof of identity and residency.
“These documents provide robust verification of an individual’s deep-rooted connection to the community,” the organization said.
Furthermore, HITO urged implementing a cut-off year based on the 1985 Memorandum of Settlement Accord to protect the state’s cultural heritage.
“We advocate for establishing the principles of the Accord… to protect and preserve the rich cultural heritage, unique languages, distinct customs, and traditional ways of life of the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo peoples,” Dkhar stated adding “We sincerely hope that our suggestions will serve as constructive contributions to bolstering the integrity of the electoral process in our state.”
Highlighting the state’s geographical vulnerability, HITO noted, “The geographical realities of our location near the India-Bangladesh border with 443 km border heightens the potential threat of unauthorized foreign nationals enrolling in our electoral rolls.”
The organization also expressed concerns over the ease of obtaining Aadhaar cards, stating, “Numerous reports from reputable news outlets have highlighted the alarming ease with which Aadhaar cards may be obtained, further amplifying these concerns.”
“The establishment of Meghalaya in 1972 was not merely a political act; it was a significant milestone aimed at safeguarding our indigenous identity and ensuring that our unique cultural tapestry endures through generations,” the HITO further stated while reiterating the importance of protecting indigenous identity.
By Our Reporter
