By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 2: The State Election Commission on Thursday announced that it is fully prepared to undertake the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Meghalaya.
Chief Election Officer B.D.R. Tiwari said that the SIR exercise will be conducted across multiple states, and Meghalaya is awaiting the official schedule from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The statement comes amid growing demands from various groups for a thorough SIR in the state, especially in Garo Hills region which witnessed intense violence and arson last month.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has also extended strong support for the initiative.
Meanwhile, the Commission is simultaneously preparing for the Shillong Parliamentary by-election, necessitated by the demise of sitting MP Ricky A.J. Syngkon on February 19.
Tiwari assured that the Commission will be ready to conduct the bypoll as per the schedule finalised by the ECI. The first-level commissioning of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has already been completed.
As of now, Meghalaya has 2,303 polling stations and a total of 14,64,742 voters. The electoral rolls are being regularly updated.
It may be mentioned that the by-election must be held within six months of the former MP’s demise.
Referring to the Assam Assembly polls on April 9, Tiwari informed that the Election Commissions of both Assam and Meghalaya are in regular coordination.
Several rounds of meetings have already been held with the seven bordering districts of the two states to ensure peaceful elections, particularly along the interstate border areas.
Additionally, around 31 police nakas and 14 excise nakas have been set up to maintain law and order.
