By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 1: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has urged the state government to immediately implement a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and initiate an amendment to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
In a representation submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday, the organisation set a 45-day deadline for the government to act, warning of democratic and constitutional protests if no concrete progress is made.
CoMSO chairman Roy Kupar Synrem stated that these twin issues are critical to safeguarding the identity and future of Meghalaya’s indigenous communities. He called for urgent intervention with the Election Commission of India to implement the SIR exercise.
“Meghalaya is a tribal-majority state, yet there are growing concerns about unchecked migration and the possibility of non-citizens or ineligible individuals being included in the electoral rolls. We have urged the government to ensure a Special Intensive Revision so that only genuine citizens are enrolled as voters,” Synrem said.
Regarding the Scheduled Tribes list, Synrem pointed out that broad classifications in the 1950 Order could be misused by non-indigenous individuals to claim tribal status, thereby undermining constitutional safeguards.
“The objective is to clearly define and protect only the genuine indigenous tribes of Meghalaya. Any ambiguity risks the dilution of reservation benefits and poses a serious threat to our socio-cultural identity,” he added.
The chairman warned that failure to address these concerns could lead to long-term demographic and political consequences for the state, where land and identity are closely tied to the protections of the Sixth Schedule.
Synrem expressed hope that the state government would treat the matter with the necessary urgency.
