CDFI urges the Election Commission to deploy independent observers and central security forces, alleging targeted objections against Chakma electors during the Special Intensive Revision process.
New Delhi: The Chakma Development Foundation of India (CDFI) has urged the Election Commission of India (ECI) to intervene after objections were raised against 1,292 Chakma electors during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Arunachal Pradesh.
According to the organisation, the objections involve 413 voters in Bordumsa-Diyum, 49 in Miao, 774 in Doimukh, and 56 in Chowkham Assembly constituencies. CDFI has sought the appointment of independent ECI observers and deployment of central security forces during hearings scheduled from September 2, citing fears of intimidation and coercion.
CDFI founder Suhas Chakma alleged that the objections were systematically filed on the grounds that Chakma voters were not Indian citizens, despite multiple court judgments and Election Commission orders affirming the electoral rights of eligible Chakmas. He also claimed that some objections were filed by individuals who had no personal knowledge of the voters concerned.
The organisation further alleged that objections against 41 Chakma voters in Bordumsa-Diyum were accepted after the official August 20 deadline, calling it a violation of due process and urging the ECI to reject all delayed submissions.
Referring to past rulings by the Delhi High Court, Gauhati High Court, and the Supreme Court, as well as the ECI’s 2004 order, CDFI argued that excluding eligible Chakma voters on the basis of identity would violate Article 325 of the Constitution, which prohibits discrimination in electoral rolls.
The foundation also expressed concern over the safety of Chakma and Hajong communities during the hearings, particularly after the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) formed a committee to identify alleged non-citizen voters. CDFI has requested the deployment of central security forces to ensure a free and fair hearing process and prevent intimidation.
The organisation has urged the Election Commission to ensure that every objection is examined individually in accordance with the law and that no eligible elector is excluded solely because of their Chakma identity.