By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Political parties of the State have unanimously agreed to constitute a committee to discuss various pertinent issues with regards to the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India on registration of voters keeping in mind the sentiments of the people of the State.
The proposed committee would be constituted with representative from all political parties, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma informed after an all-party meet convened on Tuesday in this regard.
When asked who would be heading the committee, the Chief Minister said that the notification for constitution of the committee would be issued on Wednesday since most of the political parties are yet to submit the names of those members who would be included in the committee.
“The committee has been directed to complete the task assigned to it as soon as possible,” Dr Sangma said.
“The committee would deliberate and if necessary debate on the various issues in details including those raised by the NGOs after which it would submit an appropriate report to the EC,” the Chief Minister told news person.
Speaking about the facilitation centres for registration of voters in the State, the Chief Minister said that the committee would first examine the matter and then prepare appropriate modalities taking into the account the given situation and requirement of the people of the State.
While maintaining that the State Government does not always have to abide by the directive of the EC as mandated, he said that the Government can always modify such directives in case there is any apprehension in the State.
The main objective behind modifying the directives of the EC is to ensure that people with doubtful antecedents are prevented from getting themselves enrolled in the State, he added.
“It would also ensure that only bonafide citizens of the State would get enrolled in the voter’s list,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Dr Sangma said that the primary reason behind the ongoing enrolment drive is to allow the youth of the State, especially those from the rural areas who are yet to be enrolled, to get themselves enrolled in the voter’s list.
“This would allow them to actively participate in the democratic set up,” the Chief Minister observed.
When asked if the Government would be holding dialogues with the NGOs, he said that he has asked the political parties to call upon the NGOs to refrain from announcing any fresh agitation. Dr Sangma, however, did not comment on whether he would call the NGOs for dialogue.
It may be mentioned that the NGOs (KSU, FKJGP and HNYF) have been demanding that the State Government should immediately close the facilitation centres at the DC’s office and call for fresh enrolment.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that the three NGOs would possibly meet on Wednesday to decide on their future course of action.