Enclave residents begin collecting SIR forms after minister’s intervention

After days of hesitation, residents of Poaturkuthi — one of the former enclaves along the Indo-Bangladesh border — have finally started collecting their SIR (Special Intensive Revision) enumeration forms, following the intervention of North Bengal Development minister Udayan Guha.

On Saturday, locals turned out in good numbers at Booth Nos. 128 and 129 to receive the forms in an orderly manner. Earlier in the week, BLOs (booth level officers) had returned empty-handed after residents initially refused to accept the forms, citing confusion and apprehension.

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Minister Udayan Guha visited the area on Wednesday, spoke to the residents, and urged them to participate in the revision process. His assurance appears to have worked — the distribution went off smoothly thereafter.

“The minister’s visit brought a positive change in attitude,” said BLO D Barman. “Residents cooperated fully, and the process was completed without obstruction.”

Former enclave residents said they decided to collect the forms after being reassured by the minister about the purpose of the SIR, which is part of the Election Commission of India’s ongoing voter list revision exercise across West Bengal.

The Poaturkuthi enclave, which became part of India after the 2015 Land Boundary Agreement, has often faced administrative and identity-related challenges. Saturday’s orderly participation, officials said, marks a small but significant step toward greater civic inclusion.

In Mathabhanga, police have arrested three persons — Khoimala Das, Sujan Das, and Fatik Das — for allegedly assaulting BJP’s BLA-2, Nibas Das, and parading him with a garland of shoes at Booth No. 239 under Pachagarh Gram Panchayat No. 2. Nibas had gone there to assist a government BLO in distributing SIR forms when the incident occurred. The BJP later lodged a complaint with the election commission, following which police arrested the accused and produced them before the court.