So far Sonam Wangchuk-linked NGO’s FCRA licence cancelled, Wangchuk cries witch hunt; tight security amid curfew-like curbs in Leh, many detained; Cong councillor booked; experts recommend structured engagement ; Official sources indicate a resolution may emerge in upcoming meetings.
Ladakh on Wednesday witnessed its worst unrest in decades, with demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards erupting into violent clashes. At the centre was education reformist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose leadership in the agitation has drawn sharp government scrutiny. On Thursday, the Union Home Ministry cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of his NGO, Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). The CBI has launched probes into his initiatives, sparking allegations of a political witch-hunt from Wangchuk and supporters.
The ministry on Thursday cited multiple violations, including improper deposits into SECMOL’s FCRA account, discrepancies in returns, and receipt of Rs 4.93 lakh from Swedish organisation Framtidsjorden, partly linked to a “study on sovereignty” prohibited under Section 12(4). Authorities also flagged Rs 3.35 lakh from a bus sale in 2021-22 and Rs 54,600 in local donations wrongly credited to the FCRA account. Declaring SECMOL’s explanations “untenable,” the ministry cancelled its registration with immediate effect.
Wangchuk dismissed the charges as part of a broader “witch-hunt,” asserting that his organisations only received legitimate fees for knowledge-sharing projects with UN bodies and European groups. “We are being hounded with tax summons and CBI notices,” he said.
Positing on X a 2007 notice to Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO, BJP IT cell in charge Amit Malviya said “finally had its FCRA license cancelled — a step that should have been taken long ago. Even back in 2007, when BJP was not in power at the Centre or in J&K, the government had flagged several violations by him and made sharp observations. The record speaks for itself”.
The Deputy Commissioner office notice also cited serious allegations against him and his NGO, SECMOL, including demoralizing government staff by bypassing administrative offices, illegally occupying 200 kanals of government land, and misusing the FCRA by misappropriating foreign funds. Wangchuk was asked to explain why his FCRA license should not be cancelled.
Wangchuk dismissed the charges as part of a broader “witch-hunt,” asserting that his organisations only received legitimate fees for knowledge-sharing projects with UN bodies and European groups. “We are being hounded with tax summons and CBI notices,” he said.
Incidentally, Wangchuk inspired Aamir Khan’s character “Phunsukh Wangdu” in 3 Idiots, reflecting his innovative work in Ladakh’s education and sustainable development through SECMOL’s hands-on learning initiatives.
“A day after the Leh protests, the government named and blamed me,” Wangchuk was quoted as saying, adding that authorities were preparing to jail him under the Public Safety Act, but “Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than free Sonam Wangchuk.” He told media that blaming him or the Congress was finding a scapegoat rather than addressing the core problem. All that is needed now is wisdom, as youths are already frustrated, he said
According to the Centre, the demands Wangchuk raised during his hunger strike are being discussed in a High-Powered Committee scheduled for October 6. The Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Amit Shah, stated that Wangchuk continued his strike despite requests to call it off, allegedly misleading the public with references to Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z demonstrations in Nepal. He later broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance. The government affirmed its commitment to Ladakhis’ aspirations through constitutional safeguards.
The crackdown follows violent protests in Leh on September 24, where four people died as demonstrators demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule protections stormed the BJP office and Hill Council premises, clashing with security forces. Wangchuk has been held responsible by the government, a charge rejected by his supporters.
Observers warn the actions against Wangchuk may backfire, hardening local resentment and drawing global attention due to his international stature. Experts suggest immediate de-escalation through easing curbs and ordering a fair probe; structured engagement via a high-level committee including Leh Apex Body, Kargil Democratic Alliance, and youth groups with clear timelines and a safeguards roadmap providing interim Sixth Schedule protections while enhancing local council powers, with statehood as a longer-term goal. Sources indicate a resolution may emerge in upcoming meetin
