In a major development, the Indian government has cancelled the FCRA licence of Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO, the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL). The move comes amid growing tensions in the Union Territory, where protests demanding statehood turned violent, leading to the deaths of four people.
Why Was the FCRA Licence Cancelled?
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the decision was taken after finding “repeat violations” of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). A government notification revealed that SECMOL had failed to comply with multiple provisions of the law that governs foreign donations to non-governmental organisations.
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The cancellation also followed a show-cause notice issued to the NGO earlier this month, in which the government raised questions about financial irregularities and questionable transactions.
Alleged Financial Irregularities
The government flagged several instances of financial violations, including:
- ₹3.35 lakh deposit from bus sale: Authorities said Wangchuk deposited money from the sale of an old bus into the FCRA account, which is not permitted. SECMOL argued that since the bus had been purchased with FCRA funds, the sale proceeds were deposited back. However, the MHA called the reasoning “not tenable” and pointed out discrepancies in how the money was credited.
- ₹4.93 lakh foreign donation from Sweden: A Swedish donor contributed funds for youth awareness programmes on climate change, food security, and migration. The government ruled this as “against national interest” and flagged it as a violation.
- Smaller entries of ₹19,600 and ₹79,200: These were also flagged as wrongful credits in the NGO’s FCRA account.
The MHA concluded that SECMOL had engaged in repeated and serious violations of the FCRA, warranting cancellation of its licence.
Timing: Just After Ladakh Protests
The cancellation came just 24 hours after violent protests erupted in Ladakh over demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards. Demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in casualties and damage to property.
Government sources indicated that Sonam Wangchuk, who has become the face of Ladakh’s statehood movement, was under scrutiny for allegedly delivering provocative speeches. Officials claimed his remarks instigated mobs to attack a local BJP office and the office of the Ladakh election officer.
Government’s Stand on Wangchuk
The MHA has accused Wangchuk of “provoking” unrest in Ladakh. Officials say his speeches contributed to the violence, making him directly accountable for the disturbance.
Furthermore, sources confirmed that the Centre is considering legal action against him, possibly under the Public Safety Act (PSA) — a stringent law that allows detention without trial for up to two years.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Response
Reacting to the government’s action, Sonam Wangchuk said he was not surprised and had anticipated such measures. Speaking to PTI, he remarked:
“I see they are building up a case to bring me under the Public Safety Act and throw me in jail for two years. I am ready… but a Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than a free Sonam Wangchuk.”
Wangchuk has been on hunger strikes in recent months to push for Ladakh’s statehood and environmental protection. His activism has drawn widespread national and international attention.
Wider Implications for Ladakh
The cancellation of SECMOL’s FCRA licence adds fuel to the already tense political situation in Ladakh. For years, locals have been demanding full statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect land, jobs, and cultural identity.
By targeting Wangchuk’s NGO, the government is sending a strong message that it will act firmly against organisations and individuals it believes are fueling unrest. However, critics argue that this could further alienate Ladakhis, who already feel neglected after the region lost its special status in 2019.
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The cancellation of the FCRA licence of Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO SECMOL has intensified the political storm in Ladakh. While the government cites “serious financial irregularities” and national security concerns, Wangchuk and his supporters see it as an attempt to suppress the statehood movement.
With tensions already high and the possibility of his detention under the PSA looming, the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping Ladakh’s political future. Whether this action will weaken the protests or further strengthen Wangchuk’s standing as the voice of Ladakh remains to be seen.
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