Shillong: VPP chief Ardent Basaiawmoit fired back at Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday. He defended the KHADC’s decision to bypass traditional institutions when setting land-sale limits. Basaiawmoit claims this move stops the mass alienation of community lands. He says the Chief Minister does not understand the issue. He called the state leader ill-informed.
The controversy centers on the KHADC Regulation and Registration of Land (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This bill seeks to amend Section 16. It removes the mandate to consult with Dorbar Shnongs, Dorbar Raids, and Dorbar Himas. Basaiawmoit said, "I was surprised to see that our Chief Minister was so ill-informed about what is going on in the KHADC when he tried to put the blame on us that we never practise what we preach and that we take away the power of these traditional bodies."
Basaiawmoit stated that traditional heads ignored requests for discussions on land-sale limits. This forced the District Council to act alone to ensure the law worked. He insists the VPP-led Executive Committee did not strip power from Himas or headmen. Several groups have since reached out to negotiate limits. Meanwhile, Conrad Sangma argues that removing consultation requirements hurts indigenous governance. He believes these groups serve as essential checks and balances. Sangma maintains the state government follows proper procedures for land acquisition.
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