From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH: The Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF), Nongpoh Circle on Tuesday demanded immediate revocation of a Central Government order for enrolling Bangladeshi refugees living in three villages under Mawhati constituency in the State electoral rolls.
Informing this to The Shillong Times here, RBYF Nongpoh Circle president Denis Syngkli said the Federation has received specific information from local residents that Bangladeshi refugees residing in Panibari, Amjong and Umsiang under Mawhati constituency are being enrolled as voters in a ‘clandestine manner’.
He also said that the Voter Returning Officer (VRO), AK Khan, used to allegedly conduct the enrollment during the night time and without the knowledge of the village authorities of the three villages.
“We call for his immediate removal and appointment of a local officer as the VRO,” Syngkli said.
Syngkli also pointed out that three or four years ago there were only 30 households in the three villages but now the number of households has risen to above 300. Enrollment of foreign refugees would have an adverse affect on the indigenous people of the area, he added.
He also informed that they had met Mawhati constituency Returning Officer I Mawlong at her office chamber on Tuesday to seek clarification on the matter.
The Returning Officer, however, explained that the enrollment was ordered by the Central Government and they have to abide by it.