Was slapped with defamation suit by Ardent; criticisms normal during elections: Malngiang

SHILLONG, Feb 1: Sitting Nongkrem independent MDC, Lambor Malngiang, revealed on Saturday that he was served with a defamation suit demanding compensation worth crores of rupees by Voice of the People Party (VPP) chief, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, over remarks he made against him during an election campaign last year.
Speaking to reporters after filing his nomination as an independent candidate, Malngiang argued that criticism among political opponents is a normal occurrence during elections.
“But he (Basaiawmoit) decided a defamation case against me. I have nothing to say on his decision. I will continue to work for the good of my people,” Malngiang said, refusing to comment further as the matter was sub judice.
It may be mentioned that Basaiawmoit filed the defamation case over remarks made by Malngiang at an election rally in Nongkrem during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Meanwhile, Malngiang criticised Basaiawmoit for advocating the implementation of Article 371 in Meghalaya, arguing that the provision would not benefit the state.
“They are proposing a model similar to Article 371 in Mizoram. My question is that the MMDR Act is still applicable in Mizoram despite having Article 371. In fact, Article 371 will empower the state government, which is dangerous. Therefore, we need to strengthen provisions of the Sixth Schedule, which empower the traditional institutions through the district councils,” Malngiang asserted.
Recalling a resolution moved by Basaiawmoit in the Assembly in September 2015, Malngiang claimed that he was critical of traditional institutions such as the Dorbar Shnongs, Raids, Himas and Dollois.
According to him, the resolution had argued that the state suffers due to the existence of multiple authorities—including the District Council, the Syiem, the Dolloi, the Sordar, the Lyngdoh and the Wahadadar—which oversee customs and traditional practices related to village administration.
Malngiang further stated that his primary opponent in this election is the sitting Nongkrem MLA, Basaiawmoit, and not VPP’s official candidate, Kitborlang Syiem.