Guwahati: The Kuki Inpi Manipur has urged authorities to extend the deadline for the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, citing difficulties faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in obtaining documents required for verification.
In a memorandum submitted to the Governor of Manipur and the Chief Electoral Officer, the organisation said thousands of IDPs had lost their homes, belongings and essential documents during the ongoing ethnic conflict.
The organisation said the lack of required documents could result in genuine and eligible voters being excluded from the electoral roll.
It also raised concerns over the cost and delays involved in obtaining replacement documents. According to the organisation, birth certificates required for verification can cost around Rs 300 to Rs 600, while large numbers of applicants have resulted in long queues and delays.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur said replacing documents lost or destroyed during the conflict could also take considerable time.
The organisation has called for the authorities to extend the SIR deadline by an adequate period in view of the circumstances in Manipur.
It has also sought special verification and facilitation mechanisms for IDP voters, including those living outside their original places of residence.
The organisation further called for flexibility and alternative methods of verification where documents have been lost, destroyed or become inaccessible due to conflict and displacement.
It also urged authorities to simplify and expedite the process of obtaining replacement civil and identity documents for displaced citizens.
The Kuki Inpi Manipur called for safeguards to ensure that eligible voters are not excluded from the electoral roll because of circumstances beyond their control.