Shillong, Jan 31: The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Meghalaya has sparked concerns among indigenous groups, who fear that the process may allow non-citizens to obtain Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) using Aadhaar cards.
The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has raised alarms, pointing out that the SIR doesn’t bar foreigners from getting EPICs, especially since the Supreme Court has ruled that Aadhaar can be used as a document to apply for an EPIC.
The controversy centres on the fact that Aadhaar cards can be issued to anyone who has been in India for 182 days or more, regardless of citizenship.
This has led to fears that people from outside the state, including Bangladeshis, may be able to obtain EPICs using Aadhaar cards.
HITO president Donbok Dkhar has urged the Election Commission to require additional documents, such as those issued by Himas, Raids, Elakas, and Dorbar Shnongs, to verify a person’s indigenous status.
“It is dangerous that people from outside the state are easily issued Aadhaar cards. We as pressure groups have found that even Bangladeshis have Aadhaar,” Dkhar said.
The Supreme Court has recently ruled that Aadhaar can be used as a valid document for identity verification during the SIR process, but it is not proof of citizenship.
The court has emphasised that the Election Commission can verify the authenticity of Aadhaar cards to prevent misuse.
On the issue of certain border residents holding dual EPIC, Dkhar said that it should be monitored that Assam residents should not possess Meghalaya’s EPIC and vice-versa.
The HITO president pointed out that there have been incidents where Assam residents claim to be Meghalaya citizens and get benefits. He said that soon the pressure group will meet the Chief Electoral Officer BDR Tiwari, to raise their concern and even give him suggestions before implementing the SIR in Meghalaya.
