The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has canceled the FCRA licence of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO, SECMOL, with immediate effect. The decision comes amid ongoing unrest in Ladakh linked to protests over statehood and the activist’s statements.
FCRA Licence Cancellation
In an official letter, the MHA stated: “Considering the facts and position narrated in preceding paras, the Competent Authority, hereby, in exercise of the powers conferred under section 14(1) of the Act, cancels with immediate effect the FCRA Certificate of Registration No. 152710012R granted to the association ‘Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh.’”
SECMOL was registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, for cultural and educational programs. However, during the 2020-21 financial year, local funds totaling Rs. 54,600 were deposited into the NGO’s FCRA account by three individuals (Rs. 18,200 each). This violated Section 17 of the Act, according to the MHA.
CBI Inquiry into HIAL
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also initiated an inquiry into Wangchuk’s other organization, the Himalayan Institute of Advanced Learning (HIAL). The probe focuses on compliance with foreign funding regulations.
Ladakh Protests and Shutdowns
Strict prohibitory orders were imposed in Kargil after the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) called for a shutdown in support of Wangchuk. The climate activist had recently ended a hunger strike following violent clashes during the Ladakh protests.
The KDA defended Wangchuk, saying the government blamed him for making “provocative statements” that allegedly led to mob violence. The group also expressed sympathy for the families of four protesters killed during the clashes, calling them “heroes of Ladakh.”
Government Stance and Local Tensions
The MHA’s action reflects strict enforcement of FCRA rules and a focus on preventing misuse of foreign contributions. Local leaders and activists, however, argue that Wangchuk has played a positive role in education and climate awareness in Ladakh.
The cancellation of SECMOL’s FCRA licence and the ongoing CBI inquiry into HIAL are expected to heighten tensions in the region. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to maintain law and order.
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