Kuki Inpi Manipur says the ongoing Special Intensive Revision risks excluding nearly 59,000 internally displaced persons unless dedicated arrangements are put in place
Imphal: A fresh controversy has emerged over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Manipur, with Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) objecting to the exercise amid the continuing displacement crisis in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the apex Kuki organisation argued that the revision process should not proceed without ensuring the participation of thousands of conflict-affected residents who remain unable to return to their homes.
“The ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Manipur is unacceptable under the prevailing circumstances and raises serious concerns regarding fairness, inclusivity, and administrative responsibility,” the organisation stated.
The organisation noted that nearly 59,000 Kuki-Zo internally displaced persons (IDPs) are still living away from their native villages and may face difficulties in participating in the voter verification exercise.
“The Kuki Inpi Manipur had expected that the government would first put in place adequate and practical arrangements to address the situation of the approximately 59,000 Kuki-Zo internally displaced persons (IDPs),” the statement added.
KIM further warned that conducting the exercise without addressing the concerns of displaced communities could affect democratic representation. “It is therefore imperative that the government… take immediate and concrete steps to establish accessible and inclusive mechanisms that will enable all affected IDPs to be duly enrolled and participate in the revision process,” it said.
The Election Commission has already begun house-to-house verification under the SIR. According to official data, Manipur has 20.91 lakh electors across 2,996 polling stations. Reports indicate that special arrangements are being considered for around 14,000-15,000 displaced voters.
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