ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) has issued a stern ultimatum to Takar Rava, the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for Doimukh, following his failure to comply with the commission's directives regarding a case of alleged voter ID fraud. The commission made it clear in an order released on Thursday that Rava must take prompt action or risk facing contempt and disciplinary action.
The issue centers around Kalijoy Chakma, who allegedly obtained a counterfeit voter ID. The APSHRC had previously directed the ERO on November 29, 2024, to have Chakma's name struck off from the rolls and register a police complaint against Chakma for obtaining the bogus ID. The investigation by the commission found inconsistencies in Chakma's identification papers, which showed his birth year as 1953, whereas his voter ID card had it as 1965. Chakma, who is a refugee and not an Indian citizen, purportedly lied about his age to become a voter.
In his response, Rava claimed that all Chakmas and Hajongs are recognized as Indian citizens based on various court rulings. However, the APSHRC rejected this assertion, emphasizing that its orders are binding and have been upheld by multiple high courts.
Chairman Bamang Tago has called Rava to the commission on March 14, 2025, with an action report. The commission issued a warning that if there was no compliance within four weeks, it would resort to serious measures such as disciplinary action and contempt proceedings under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
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