Opposition fears inclusion of foreigners in electoral rolls

A Correspondent

Shillong, March 10:  The Meghalaya government today stated that all voters enrolled in the State’s electoral rolls are Indians even as the opposition alleged that foreign tiols have been included while those genuine have been left out of the electoral rolls.

“I have come across claims that Indian tiols have been left out of the electoral rolls while illegal immigrants have their mes in the electoral rolls,” Opposition leader and UDP legislator Dr Donkupar Roy said.

Dr Roy also said that in the border villages with Bangladesh, there is confusion on who is an Indian and who is a non-Indian. Earlier, another UDP legislator Jemino Mawthoh raised the concern of the non-tribals who are permanent residents of the state. According to Mawthoh, he has received complaints from such non-tribals that while applying for EPIC, election authorities are asking for various identity proofs like PAN card, driving license, electricity bills among other documents. Mawthoh urged the government that such documents should not be entertained.

Earlier, deputy chief minister, Rowell Lyngdoh replying during the question hour said that the direction and guidelines as laid down by the Commission have been strictly followed by the State Election machinery in implementing the enrolment process of voters.