Party demands rigorous verification in areas bordering Bangladesh
SHILLONG, June 22: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has come down heavily against suspected Bangladeshi infiltrators misusing Khasi surnames and identities in border areas to sneak into electoral rolls, demanding stringent verification during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Reacting sharply to alarming reports brought forward by the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) Riwar Mihngi Circle and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) South East Central Circle, UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne warned that the party would firmly oppose any such infiltration tactics.
The two organisations had recently blown the lid off an alleged systematic racket, claiming that suspected Bangladeshi nationals are brazenly stealing Khasi identities and surnames without clan approval or customary verification in sensitive border villages — a move described as a direct assault on tribal identity and Meghalaya’s demographic survival.
“How can an illegal immigrant misuse a Khasi surname? If such cases exist, the clans concerned, the District Council and the community should immediately raise objections. It would be impossible for a non-Khasi to legitimately obtain Scheduled Tribe status without scrutiny,” he said.
Chyne expressed the party’s firm support for a transparent and rigorous voter verification process to safeguard indigenous Khasi identity.
He said the UDP had already submitted detailed suggestions to the authorities to ensure the upcoming SIR exercise is conducted with complete transparency, including taking the confidence of traditional heads and shnong authorities while verifying the indigenous status of residents.
“We have suggested that the authorities should take the confidence of Rangbah Shnong and local traditional institutions to ascertain the bona fide status of residents. The party is also monitoring the process and will appoint Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to work alongside election officials,” he said.
While acknowledging serious concerns over doubtful citizens in border areas, Chyne stressed that the issue must be dealt with firmly but not exaggerated. He noted national concerns following reports of abnormal voter increases in places like West Bengal, but expressed confidence in the Election Commission’s safeguards.
He urged all political parties, traditional institutions, and local communities to remain vigilant and promptly lodge objections with election authorities against any doubtful names.
