Issue of non-Indian getting enrolled raised

SHILLONG, MAR 10: Meghalaya government on Tuesday assured that inquiry will be made against alleged non-Indian citizens getting enrolled in the electoral rolls if such cases are filed and brought to the notice of the state government.

Reply to a supplementary question raised by opposition leader Donkupar Roy who alleged that many non- Indian have managed to get themselves enrolled in the electoral roll of the state, deputy chief minister-in charge election- Rowel Lyngdoh told the Assembly, “Whenever cases have been filed, inquiry will be made,”

Roy also pointed out that there is confusion as to who is an Indian and who is non-Indian as the state face the problem of illegal immigrations from the inter-state and international borders.

Lyngdoh, however, assured that there are various documents which the Election Registration Officers (EROs) including the permanent residence certificate (PRC) as part of the verification exercises which is the guidelines laid by the Supreme Court before entering the names in the electoral roll.

Raising similar concerns, Independent legislator Saleng A Sangma sought clarification whether there are Bangladeshis, particularly those whom the government is yet to deported, also listed in the electoral rolls of the state.

Sangma wondered how these people are living and working when they are yet to be deported from the state. Lyngdoh, however, maintained that all citizens enrolled in the electoral roll of the state are Indians.

UDP legislator Jemino Mawthoh asked whether the certificates issued by traditional heads are still recognize by the election department in view of the recent high court ruling.
Lyngdoh replied saying information on the issue is not available with him. “But, he added, the Block Level Officers have been appointed in all polling stations to help the headmen in indentifying genuine voters to be enrolled.

Referring to the illegal immigration problems faced by Meghalaya and other NE states, Mawthoh said that even the centre has time and again emphasis to the state government to look into the issue. But he rued that despite the Supreme Court order issued on September 23, 2013 directing not to give Adhaar to illegal immigration but Meghalaya seems to be facilitating it. – By Our Reporter