MANIPUR TRIBALS’ FORUM DELHI
Ref No.:
MTFD/PR/01/2025 Dated: 31.07.2025
Press Release
Subject: Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls in Manipur — A Call for
Caution, Coordination, and Confidence Building
The Manipur Tribals’
Forum, Delhi (MTFD) takes serious note of the recent announcement by the Office
of the Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, regarding the conduct of a Special
Summary Revision (SSR) of the electoral rolls in the state. At a time when normalcy
is yet to return and thousands of members of the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar tribal
communities remain displaced from their ancestral homes, we appeal for
sensitivity, inclusivity, and transparency in the conduct of this important
democratic exercise.
We fully understand
and support the need for maintaining up-to-date electoral rolls as a
constitutional imperative. However, we urge the Election Commission of India
and the concerned state authorities to take into account the extraordinary
ground realities before proceeding with any revisions.
A Crisis Not Yet
Over:
The ethnic violence
that erupted on 3rd May 2023 has left tens of thousands of Kuki-Zomi-Hmar
tribals displaced, many of whom continue to live in relief camps or are
sheltered outside Manipur. Most have lost access to their homes, official
documents, and local administrative services. In such a situation, any
electoral exercise that does not account for the displaced population risks
widespread disenfranchisement and will inadvertently deepen the sense of exclusion
already felt by the tribal communities.
Appeal to Tribal
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs):
We urge all Civil
Society Organizations (CSOs) operating in Kuki-Zomi-Hmar administered areas,
including village authorities, student bodies, youth organizations, and women’s
groups, to take up this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency. It is
imperative that every effort is made to ensure that displaced persons are
identified, documented, and supported in safeguarding their electoral rights.
The SSR should not
be allowed to proceed in a manner that unintentionally legitimizes the outcomes
of violence and displacement. Our people must remain vigilant and proactive,
and CSOs must immediately begin consultations with stakeholders on how best to
coordinate voter protection and data verification.
A Call for a
Phased and Trust-Based Approach:
We respectfully
suggest that the Special Summary Revision be conducted in a phased manner, and
only after the following measures are in place:
1.
Restoration of
Peace and Stability in all conflict-affected zones, with concrete
steps toward resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced tribal families.
2.
Confidence-building
measures, including the establishment of neutral mechanisms and
observers, to ensure transparency and fairness in the verification process.
3.
Provision of
special camps in relief centers and tribal areas, manned by impartial
officials and in coordination with recognized CSOs, to facilitate voter
inclusion.
4.
Recognition of
alternate documents in lieu of lost identity or address proofs due to
the conflict.
The Path Forward:
The electoral roll
revision must not be seen merely as a technical process, but as a test of
democratic inclusiveness and institutional trust. We believe that the Election
Commission of India has always stood for constitutional neutrality and
fairness, and we look forward to its leadership in ensuring that no citizen is
left behind, especially those affected by violence and displacement.
We urge all
stakeholders — tribal CSOs, government agencies, and the Election Commission —
to come together in good faith and mutual respect to make the process
inclusive, sensitive, and legitimate.
For
further communication:
Manipur Tribals’ Forum, Delhi (MTFD)
Email: mtfd2015info@gmail.com
