By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 27: A controversy has erupted in Hima Nongwah-Mawtamur under Sohiong Lyngdohship, following allegations that its Sirdar, Estansing Jana Nongbet, and adviser, Rastingwell Thabah, had hatched a plan to sell around 2,000 acres of Hima land to the BSF for over Rs 700 crore.
Speaking to reporters, Hima Secretary Forecastar Nongrang claimed that the two leaders were involved in the proposed land deal.
Nongrang alleged that when he refused to support their plan, he was sidelined from the Hima’s affairs.
He further claimed that the duo, along with a few elders, had earlier offered him money to participate in the sale.
The secretary also admitted to being the one who leaked a voice recording purportedly capturing a conversation about the alleged land transaction.
According to him, the land was being offered to the BSF at a value exceeding Rs 700 crore.
Earlier, the Sirdar and the Executive Dorbar of the Hima had dismissed the allegations as “false and baseless.”
The Sirdar clarified that the Hima had never sold any portion of its land to the BSF, asserting that the circulating audio clip — which recently resurfaced on YouTube and social media — dates back to 2022.
He said that the Dorbar had, in fact, opposed attempts by certain individuals to sell Hima land to the BSF as early as May 24, 2019, and had even submitted a formal complaint to the KHADC.
The Sirdar added that a court case was filed against those individuals, and a stay order was obtained on September 4, 2019. The case is still pending before the District Council Court.
“We have been aware of the recording since 2022 but chose not to react. There are always some disturbances within the Hima, but we remain focused on our duties,” Nongbet said, urging the public to verify facts through proper channels.
Stating that if anyone believes that land was sold to the BSF, the Sirdar had said that they can seek documents through RTI from the Hima office, the BSF, the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi, or the KHADC.
