Shillong, Oct 18: A voter from Nongkrem constituency was declared dead in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Meghalaya.
After realising the mistake, the election machinery registered for a new voter ID without the consent of the voter, who wants the old EPIC number.
Under pressure, the voter’s name was included in the final electoral roll but with a different number.
The process of disposal of claims & objections and completion of hearings was on October 17.
The full text of the statement of the voter below
To the print & electronic media
Subject: Appeal to the media to highlight incorrect SIR mapping, unauthorised processing of a fresh electoral record, and uncertainty regarding my existing EPIC
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to seek the attention of the print and electronic media regarding a serious concern involving the incorrect marking of my voter record as deceased during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Laitkor Kynton U Mon, Shillong, Meghalaya, despite the fact that I am alive and continue to reside in the locality.
Upon discovering this error, the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO) with the name Banteilang Suchiang contacted me to submit my documents after he verified the wrong marking in the SIR. I handed over my documents trusting the system to do the needful. On the 14th of October, I received a message stating that the inclusion of a fresh electoral record had been processed successfully. This development has caused me considerable concern, particularly because I was not aware of or had not knowingly consented to the processing of a fresh record, and I remain uncertain about the status of my existing Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC). On the same day I immediately contacted the BLO asking him without my knowledge and consent how did they process the new EPIC. The BLO informed me that he was advised from the Deputy commissioner’s office to enroll afresh.
In an effort to resolve this matter through the proper channels, I have contacted the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of the Nongkrem Constituency and brought this serious concern to his attention.I personally went to meet the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District, Shillong, on 14th October 2026 to bring forward my complaint. Subsequently, on 16th October 2026, I visited the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) in person and submitted my concerns regarding the incorrect SIR mapping and the processing of a fresh electoral record.
Despite these efforts, I have not yet received any clear update on whether my original EPIC and existing voter record can be retrieved and restored. More importantly, I have not received any definite assurance from the higher authorities that this error and the subsequent processing of a fresh record will not cause difficulties, complications, or disruption to my voter registration in the future.
As a responsible citizen, I respect the electoral process and understand the importance of maintaining accurate electoral rolls. However, I believe that an eligible voter should not be left in uncertainty because of an apparent error in the mapping process. I am deeply concerned about the possible implications for my existing voter identity and my ability to exercise my democratic rights without unnecessary complications.
I have approached the concerned authorities in good faith and through the appropriate channels, seeking clarification, verification, and correction. My intention is not to accuse any individual but to obtain a fair, transparent, and timely resolution to this matter.
Through this appeal, I respectfully request the print and electronic media to highlight my case and bring it to the attention of the concerned electoral authorities and the general public. I hope that media intervention will encourage the authorities to clarify the status of my original EPIC, verify the circumstances under which the fresh electoral record was processed, rectify any errors, and provide written confirmation of the corrective action taken.
This appeal is also intended to raise awareness about the importance of accurate voter records and the need for a transparent grievance-redressal process so that other eligible voters do not face similar uncertainty.
I would be grateful if your esteemed publication would consider covering this matter in the public interest and help bring it to a fair and satisfactory resolution.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours sincerely,
Ridalin Laloo
Laitkor Kynton U Mon, Shillong, Meghalaya
Date: 17 October 2026
