SHILLONG : Nongkrem MLA and Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit defended the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Regulation and Administration of Land) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, saying the legislation is intended to safeguard Raid (community) land from being sold and to prevent such transactions in the future.
Responding to criticism over the Bill, Basaiawmoit rejected claims that the amendment would undermine traditional practices or take away the powers of the Dorbar Shnong. Instead, he said the objective is to strengthen the traditional institution while ensuring greater transparency and accountability in its functioning. According to the VPP leader, the amendment is part of the party’s commitment to bring reforms, curb corruption and ensure that decisions relating to community land are taken in the interest of the people. He alleged that in several instances, traditional heads had sold Raid and Hima lands without the knowledge or consent of the public.
“The public must know when community land is being sold. Such decisions cannot be taken unilaterally by an individual,” he said.
Basaiawmoit maintained that the Bill is not aimed at weakening the Dorbar Shnong but at preventing misuse of authority that could affect future generations. He said the VPP-led Executive Committee in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) remains committed to protecting indigenous land and ensuring that community resources are preserved.
“We stand firm on this issue. Whatever we do will be for the welfare of the indigenous people,” he said, adding that the party believes power should rest with the people in line with democratic values and Khasi traditional practices. The VPP president further said the amendment seeks to return greater control over community land to the public while making the administration of Raid land more transparent.
Citing areas such as Raid Marwet under Mylliemship, Raid Tynring and Mawpdang, Basaiawmoit said the party had raised concerns over land transactions with the future of the youth and the security of the state in mind. He also pointed out that Raid land remains an important source of security for poorer families who cannot afford private land.
Referring to the 2011 Census, he claimed that nearly 76 per cent of Meghalaya’s population does not own land despite the existence of Raid and Hima lands, underscoring the need to protect community land for future generations.