CoMSO Gives Meghalaya Government 45-Day Ultimatum Over Electoral Rolls and ST Order

The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has given the Meghalaya state government a 45-day deadline to act on two long-pending demands — a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and amendments to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) Order, 1950.

CoMSO chairman Roy Kupar Synrem announced the decision following an executive committee meeting attended by all constituent organisations, describing both issues as urgent structural and demographic challenges facing the state.

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Synrem said CoMSO has already submitted representations to the Union Home Ministry and the Election Commission of India, urging immediate implementation of the SIR.

He alleged that illegal immigrants have not only encroached on indigenous lands but have also managed to get enrolled on voter lists, potentially threatening the political representation of indigenous communities.

Pointing to similar exercises carried out in Bihar and West Bengal — where illegal voters were reportedly identified — Synrem argued that Meghalaya needs to undertake the same process. He also flagged concerns about voter duplication along the Assam-Meghalaya border, alleging that some individuals are registered as voters in both states.

CoMSO also strongly criticised the continued use of the Scheduled Tribe Order, 1950 in its present form, calling it outdated and no longer fit for purpose.

Synrem pointed out that despite Meghalaya having been a separate state for over 50 years, the ST list has not been meaningfully revised. He argued that while tribal communities from other states enjoy full rights in Meghalaya, the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities do not receive similar recognition elsewhere.

As an example, he noted that these communities are not recognised as Scheduled Tribes in Manipur, and in Assam, their recognition is limited to hill areas only.

Synrem also raised concerns about land ownership, alleging that non-local tribal groups are purchasing land in Shillong, Ri Bhoi, and other parts of the state — a trend he said could have serious long-term consequences for indigenous communities.

Expressing frustration with the lack of progress, Synrem noted that a committee formed in 2024 to review the ST Order has shown little movement.

CoMSO has announced it will formally write to the state government and begin consultations with political parties and stakeholders. If no action is taken within 45 days, the organisation plans to escalate through public meetings, awareness campaigns, and eventually democratic protests and agitations.