SHILLONG : The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations has called on the Centre and the Meghalaya government to implement a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to remove illegal immigrants from the electoral process, while also seeking amendments to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order 1950.
Speaking after an executive committee meeting, CoMSO chairman Roykupar Synrem stated that illegal immigration remains a reality in the state and alleged that many such individuals have not only settled in indigenous lands but have also participated in elections.
He stressed that a Special Intensive Revision is necessary to “purify the electoral roll” and prevent instances of dual voting, particularly in border areas where some residents are believed to vote in both Meghalaya and Assam.
Highlighting the importance of clean voter lists, Synrem said that a “pure electoral roll is the backbone of democracy.”
On the issue of the Scheduled Tribes Order, 1950, Synrem pointed out that the current framework recognises over 50 tribes in Meghalaya, including those from other northeastern states. According to him, this allows them to buy land, contest elections, and engage in business without restrictions.
He argued that such provisions give equal rights to tribes from other states, while similar benefits are not extended to indigenous communities like the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo in other regions.
The organisation has already submitted representations to the Union Home Ministry and the Election Commission of India, urging immediate implementation of the SIR and amendments to the ST Order.
CoMSO also plans to engage with political parties, traditional institutions, and stakeholders to build consensus on the issue. The group has set a deadline for the state government to take up these matters with the Centre and relevant authorities.