Set up MSV for Nomads or hold poll after Oct: TRCF

Srinagar, May 12: The Tribes Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) has appealed to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India to set up Mobile System of Voting (MSV) to enable lakhs of Gujjars and Bakerwals, under seasonal migration to upper reaches of Himalyas, to vote in the Assembly election later this year.

The TRCF said the election could be held after October when the Nomads return to plains so that they exercise their franchise.

In a memorandum faxed to Mr N Gopalaswami, TRCF national secretary Dr Javid Rahi said lakhs of Nomads are under seasonal migration to upper reaches of Himalyas.

He said if the election was held before October, lakhs of seasonal migrant Nomads would be unable to cast their votes.

Dr Rahi demanded setting up MSV to enable the Nomads cast their votes ''anywhere'' in the election.

He also appealed to the CEC to conduct a fresh survey and introduce shelterless Nomadic voter category in order to accommodate a big chunk of tribal population in the polling process.

The memorandum said a good chunk of semi-Nomad tribals in the state are residing in or around hilly forest areas and have to come down miles to cast their votes. Therefore, he said, arrangements should be made for them in their respective areas.

UNI