Tura, Feb 26: The federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP)
in a complaint to deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills has given
startling revelations on dual voters in plain belt areas of Garo
hills, neighbouring Assam districts.
The complaint stated that many voters in Phulbari and its adjoining
areas have dual election ID cards — Meghalaya as well as Assam. It
also stated that one of them is even the general secretary of village
employment council (VEC), which have been formed in Garo hills for
implementation of various rural development schemes.
The finding states that Khabirul Islam Mondal has an election photo
identity card (EPIC) of Meghalaya and Assam. His EPIC number of
Meghalaya is FTB0646141 and Assam is GCL1260293.
Mondal’s wife Jinnatara has a Meghalaya EPIC of FTB0646190 and an
Assam EPIC of GCL1260306.
Similarly, another Shahjahan Mondal has FTB0669861 as his Meghalaya ID
and GCL1260475 as his Assam.
Khabirul Mondal was recently appointed as the secretary of the
Nimaikata village employment council in Garo hills.
An activist of FKJGP, Bappun Sangma said, “We have raised the issue
several times but nothing much has been done by the administration. We
have the proofs to substantiate our claims. We urge the government to
investigate the matter”.
Another FKJGP activist, Treepon Sangma said, “This is just the tip of
the iceberg and we are unravelling more from the information we have”.
The organisation has claimed existence of 2000 electorates in Phulbari
constituency of having dual voters card.
Congress MLA, Abu Taheer Mondal represents Phulbari in Meghalaya
legislative assembly and is also the speaker.
Joining the chorus, Anti Corruption League (ACL), an organisation
based in New Bhaitbari also sought for government intervention on dual
voters.
General Secretary of ACL, Mostapha Kabir said, “Our lands are occupied
by migrants from neighbouring Assam. Taking advantage of the flood,
they seek refuge and latter settlement down here illegally. It is
shocking that these people were given voter ID cards”.
Lalmati village, near Hallidayganj in West Garo Hills about 70 km from
Tura is an epic example. “In 2008, there were 90 households but today
there are more than 2000 households”, said Kabir.
“The original inhabitants of the area are facing much difficulty
because of the large scale migrants in plain belt areas of Garo hills
from Assam”, Kabir added.
“There has to be definitive and strong action against these people
who are taking advantage of the system. If such things are allowed to
continue the situation may just beyond control. They have illegally
managed to get a job card, Election ID and other residential
documents, while also exercising the same franchise in Assam” said
Bappun.(SP News)
