Leh/Delhi:  The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has revoked the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded by climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk. The decision comes amid violent protests in Leh demanding Union Territory Ladakh’s statehood and an ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged FCRA violations and Wangchuk’s controversial February visit to Pakistan.

Violent Protests Shake Leh

Protests in Leh escalated into clashes with authorities, leaving four dead and over 80 injured, including nearly 40 police personnel. Demonstrators torched vehicles and vandalised BJP offices and Hill Council buildings. Security forces imposed a curfew and deployed teargas to restore order.

The unrest was triggered by the Ladakh administration’s decision to revoke HIAL’s land allotment in August, which local groups viewed as an attack on regional rights and a move to suppress demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections.

CBI Probe Targets FCRA Violations and Pakistan Trip

The CBI, which began its investigation two months ago, is examining alleged violations of FCRA regulations by Wangchuk and his NGO, alongside scrutiny of his February visit to Pakistan. Authorities allege he incited violence during protests, invoking Arab Spring-style movements and Nepal’s Gen Z demonstrations.

MHA Cancels SECMOL Licence Over Financial Irregularities

SECMOL, registered under FCRA to receive foreign funding for educational and cultural initiatives, had received a show-cause notice on August 20 and a reminder on September 10. The MHA identified several discrepancies in the NGO’s accounts:

• ₹3.5 lakh from the sale of an old bus (2021–22) deemed “not tenable.”

• ₹54,600 from local donors deposited in the FCRA account (volunteer error).

• ₹4.93 lakh from Swedish NGO Framtidsjorden for sovereignty-related programmes deemed against national interest.

• ₹19,600 refunded in 2021 violated FCRA rules.

• ₹79,200 deducted from staff salaries as food fees not credited to the FCRA account.

Citing violations of Sections 8(1)(a), 17, 18, 19, and Section 12(4) of the FCRA, the MHA invoked Section 14(1) to immediately cancel SECMOL’s licence.

Wangchuk Denies Allegations

Rejecting the accusations, Wangchuk called the action a “scapegoat tactic” to divert attention from Ladakh’s real issues. “To say it was instigated by me—or by any political party—is to avoid addressing the real problem,” he told PTI. He also stated his readiness to face arrest under the Public Safety Act if necessary.

Political Fallout

The Ministry said politically motivated elements are attempting to derail the ongoing High Powered Committee (HPC) talks. Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag has also been booked for allegedly delivering a provocative speech at the hunger strike site.

The combined action of revoking SECMOL’s licence and the CBI investigation signals a crackdown on foreign-funded NGOs amid heightened scrutiny of local activism in the Himalayan region.