North-East: The Tripura government has ordered an inquiry into the inclusion of about 130 voters from the state’s Phuldungsai village on Mizoram’s voters’ list. The village borders Mizoram and is located about 300 kilometers from the capital Agartala.
The order comes shortly before Mizoram’s village council polls scheduled on August 27.
There are about 640 residents of Phuldungsai village in Kanchanpur sub-division. It is located in the Jampui hill range that criss-crosses the Tripura-Mizoram border. Out of the 640 residents, the names of 130 features in the electoral rolls of both states.
According to sources, this issue is nearly a decade old. Almost two surveys were done in attempts to mark out the boundary. But both the surveys ended inconclusively.
According to Tripura Revenue Minister Narendra Chandra Debbarma, higher officials will now hold an investigation.
The government has instructed higher officials to conduct the inquiry in a holistic manner. The officials will then submit a report on all encroachments on the boundary between Tripura and Mizoram in Jampui Hills.
Tripura’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sriram Taranikanti also informed that there is a duplication of voters in electoral lists of Tripura and Mizoram. This is considered a serious issue and will be taken up between his office and the office of his Mizoram counterpart.
The electoral roll revision process is now underway. Taranikanti is positive that if there is any discrepancy, it will surely be sorted out.
However, Tripura Chief Minister’s office was not available for any statements.
