ITANAGAR: The Arunachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission (APSHRC) has intervened in a case of alleged electoral malpractice in Changlang district, directing key electoral officials to provide explanations for their inaction within 15 days.
The complaint, filed by one Rita Chakma, alleges that Drishyamuni Chakma of 3-Avoipur village in the 49 Diyun-Bordumsa constituency, Changlang district, obtained a voter ID without providing proof of residence.
Despite lacking a valid Inner Line Permit (ILP) required for residency in Arunachal Pradesh, Drishyamuni purportedly acquired the voter ID using false information, falsely claiming residency in Avoipur village.
Despite Rita’s efforts to address the issue, the electoral officials allegedly failed to take any action against Drishyamuni’s voter ID status.
Rita’s complaint further highlighted that Drishyamuni’s records indicate he is a resident of Kurbalavasora Village in Mizoram, indicating a violation of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
On June 19, 2023, the Chief Electoral Officer of Arunachal Pradesh directed the District Electoral Officer (DEO) of Changlang District to take appropriate action against Drishyamuni.
However, despite a hearing on August 23, 2023, no decision was reached, and Drishyamuni was included in the 2024 Electoral Roll with the same false data.
Subsequently, Rita filed an appeal with the Chief Electoral Officer of Arunachal Pradesh, but no decision was made on her appeal as of February 15, 2024.
Despite these unresolved issues, Drishyamuni filed his nomination as an MLA candidate for the 49-Bordumsa Diyun Assembly Constituency using the allegedly forged voter ID.
In response to these developments, the APSHRC has issued a stern order to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of Bordumsa-Diyun and the District Electoral Officer (DEO) of Changlang district.
The commission expressed serious concern over the lack of action by the authorities and directed them to provide para-wise responses to the complaint, along with explanations for the delays.
Failure to comply within the stipulated time frame may result in coercive measures under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, including summoning officials for a personal appearance before the Commission.
