MTFD Urges Inclusive Electoral Roll Revision for Displaced Tribals

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

 

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