Activist Sanjeev Roy Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike in Silchar Alleging Voter Harassment using Special Revision

Allegations of injustice, harassment and conspiracy surrounding the ongoing Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls have triggered fresh unrest in Silchar, with social activist Sanjeev Roy beginning an indefinite hunger strike on Thursday. With many voters across Assam rising the issue that objections to their name was brought misuing the Form 7.

The hunger strike began at 11:00 am on Thursday (January 29) at the pedestal of the Khudiram Statue in Club Road, Silchar. Roy alleged that the SR process is being misused to harass ordinary citizens and claimed that a “conspiracy” is being carried out under its cover.

Addressing the media, Roy placed four key demands before the authorities. He demanded that any alleged conspiracy against citizens in the name of SR be stopped, harassment of common people be immediately ended, and strict legal action be taken against those allegedly filing false complaints during the revision process. He further asserted that the Special Revision must be conducted in a transparent and fair manner and not be used as a tool of vendetta.

Speaking during the protest, Roy alleged that a narrative had been created in Assam that encouraged harassment, particularly of minorities, through the SR process. He termed the situation a “black chapter in the legal history of Assam” and demanded that individuals who allegedly submitted false objections be identified, their names made public, and FIRs lodged against them.
“People are living in fear, not knowing when their names will be deleted,” Roy said, adding that the government and the Election Commission must ensure that genuine citizens are not excluded from the voter list through SR.

Several political and cultural activists from different parts of the Cachar district joined the hunger strike in solidarity, expressing support for Roy’s demands.

An alleged victim of the misuse of Form 7 also shared his experience, claiming that an objection was filed against his name by a person unknown to him. He alleged that his family has been residing in Silchar for over a hundred years without ever shifting, and questioned the basis of the complaint.

The activists further demanded that authorities make public data on how many Form 7 objections have been submitted and how many voters have allegedly been disenfranchised during the SR process.

With the hunger strike continuing, all eyes are now on the administration and the Election Commission to see what steps will be taken in response to the growing concerns.