The Election Commission of India’s decision to include Manipur in the third phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has triggered concerns over the feasibility of conducting large-scale voter verification in a state still affected by ethnic violence, displacement and security challenges.
The Election Commission recently announced the Phase-III rollout of the SIR exercise covering 16 states and three Union Territories, involving more than 36 crore electors across the country. Manipur is among the states included in the revision process.
According to the schedule released by the Commission, the qualifying date for Manipur, along with Odisha, Mizoram and Sikkim, has been fixed as July 1, 2026. The preparation, training and printing phase is scheduled from May 20 to May 29, while house-to-house verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will take place between May 30 and June 28.
The Election Commission has also planned rationalisation of polling stations by June 28. The draft electoral roll is expected to be published on July 5, after which claims and objections can be filed till August 4. Disposal of claims and objections will continue till September 2, with the final electoral roll scheduled to be published on September 6.
However, concerns are being raised about how such an exercise can be effectively carried out in Manipur, where thousands of people remain displaced following ethnic clashes that erupted in the state. Many families continue to stay in relief camps or temporary shelters, while others have moved outside their original constituencies or even outside the state.
Several villages in violence-affected districts were partially or completely abandoned during the unrest, with reports of damaged or destroyed houses making return difficult for many residents.
The SIR process relies heavily on Booth Level Officers visiting households to verify voters, update records and identify ineligible entries. But the situation in Manipur has complicated the process, as a large number of voters are no longer living at their registered addresses.
Questions are now being raised over how election officials will verify displaced residents who are currently living in relief camps or rented accommodations far from their original homes. Concerns have also emerged regarding documentation, as many displaced families reportedly lost important personal records during the violence.
Observers and local stakeholders have pointed out that without special arrangements, genuine voters may face difficulties proving residence or accessing verification centres. The situation is considered particularly challenging for many members of the Kuki-Zo community who are unable to travel safely to certain areas due to continuing tensions and security concerns.
Some displaced people may also have to bear significant travel expenses if they are required to return to their original constituencies or access hill districts through alternate routes via cities such as Aizawl or Guwahati.
Civil society groups and observers have warned that unless the verification process is adapted to current ground realities, vulnerable communities already affected by displacement could face the risk of exclusion from electoral rolls.
Election-related exercises in conflict-affected areas also present logistical and security challenges for officials. Certain villages remain difficult to access, while safe movement for administrative staff in some regions continues to require coordination with security agencies.
