Lamka: Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kuki tribes, has strongly objected to the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Manipur, alleging that the exercise is being carried out without adequate arrangements for thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state.
In a press statement issued today, KIM termed the continuation of the SIR process “unacceptable under the prevailing circumstances” and raised serious concerns over the fairness, inclusivity and administrative responsibility of the exercise.
The organisation stated that the government should have first ensured practical and accessible arrangements for the approximately 59,000 Kuki-Zo internally displaced persons who remain unable to return to their homes due to the prolonged crisis in Manipur.
According to the statement, the displaced population is presently unable to participate in the revision process, thereby risking the exclusion of a significant section of the electorate from a crucial democratic exercise.
KIM maintained that proceeding with such an important electoral and administrative process without ensuring the participation of displaced communities undermines the core principles of democratic representation.
“The exclusion, whether direct or indirect, of these IDPs from the SIR process renders the exercise incomplete and unacceptable in its present form,” the statement said.
The apex tribal body further argued that the continuation of the revision exercise without inclusive mechanisms would not only be unjust but would also cast doubts on the legitimacy and credibility of the entire process.
Calling for immediate intervention, KIM urged the government and concerned district administrations to establish accessible and inclusive mechanisms that would allow all affected IDPs to be duly enrolled and participate in the revision process.
The organisation stressed that displaced persons must not be denied their democratic rights merely because they are currently residing away from their original homes due to conflict-related displacement.
KIM also emphasised that special provisions should be put in place to ensure that no displaced individual is left out of the electoral revision exercise. It called upon the authorities to make “satisfactory arrangements” so that the concerns of displaced communities are properly addressed before proceeding further.
