Guwahati, May 18: The Election Commission of India’s plan to undertake a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across several northeastern states is expected to face serious hurdles in violence-hit Manipur, where fresh tensions continue to disrupt normal life.
The exercise will be carried out in 16 states and three Union Territories, including seven of the eight northeastern states — Mizoram, Sikkim, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura.
As part of a nationwide drive aimed at improving the accuracy, inclusiveness and transparency of electoral rolls, the poll panel on Thursday rolled out the SIR exercise across these states and Union Territories.
According to election officials, the final electoral rolls will be published on September 6, 2026, in Mizoram, Sikkim and Manipur; September 22 in Arunachal Pradesh; October 7 in Meghalaya; November 22 in Nagaland; and November 23, 2026, in Tripura.
However, officials in Manipur admitted that carrying out the exercise amid the continuing unrest would be extremely difficult.
“Conducting the exercise in the state would be a herculean task. Violence, curfews, blockades, rallies and bandhs have become almost everyday affairs. In such a scenario, how can we carry out this exercise smoothly?” an official said.
Officials in other northeastern states, meanwhile, said they were prepared to conduct the revision process in a transparent and participatory manner.
 of electoral rolls across several northeastern states is expected to face serious hurdles in violence-hit Manipur, where fresh tensions continue to disrupt normal life.){kind=link}