SIR in Manipur is a pathway to exclusion
The article critically analyzes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Manipur, arguing that its implementation amidst ongoing ethnic conflict is leading to the exclusion and disenfranchisement of the Kuki-Zo community. It highlights specific vulnerabilities for Kuki-Zo people, including displacement, loss of identity documents, unique naming systems, and the lack of Sixth Schedule status. The author criticizes the Election Commission of India (ECI) and government for proceeding with SIR under these conditions, linking it to broader narratives of 'illegal migrants' and potential statelessness, and calls for a fairer, more sensitive process.
The article critically analyzes the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Manipur, arguing that its implementation amidst ongoing ethnic conflict is leading to the exclusion and disenfranchisement of the Kuki-Zo community. It highlights specific vulnerabilities for Kuki-Zo people, including displacement, loss of identity documents, unique naming systems, and the lack of Sixth Schedule status. The author criticizes the Election Commission of India (ECI) and government for proceeding with SIR under these conditions, linking it to broader narratives of 'illegal migrants' and potential statelessness, and calls for a fairer, more sensitive process.
Exam linkage
GS Paper 2: Indian Polity and Governance - Constitutional Bodies (Election Commission), Fundamental Rights, Special Provisions for States, Government Policies and Interventions.