New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO, Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), a day after violent protests in Leh left four people dead and over 70 injured.
The move comes amid heightened tensions in Ladakh, where demonstrators clashed with security forces during a statehood agitation. The government has accused Wangchuk of making “provocative statements” that allegedly incited the violence, while the activist maintains that the unrest stems from years of broken promises and lack of dialogue.
Background: Show Cause and Inquiry
The cancellation order, signed by MHA Deputy Secretary Rajesh Kumar T, noted that SECMOL was served a show-cause notice on August 20, followed by a letter on September 10, seeking clarification on alleged violations of the FCRA.
A CBI preliminary inquiry into the organisation had been underway for the past two months. On September 20, SECMOL submitted a reply, which the ministry said was found unsatisfactory.
Alleged Violations
According to the MHA, multiple violations were recorded:
- Cash Deposits: Wangchuk allegedly deposited ₹3.5 lakh into SECMOL’s FCRA account in 2021–22, claimed as proceeds from the sale of a bus purchased with FCRA funds. The ministry said this violated Section 17 of the Act, as the transaction appeared to be in cash and was not properly disclosed.
- Unreported Donations: A contribution of ₹3.35 lakh from Wangchuk was listed as an FCRA donation but did not reflect in the designated bank account, breaching Section 18.
- Local Funds in FCRA Account: In 2020–21, three individuals deposited ₹18,200 each (total ₹54,600) in SECMOL’s FCRA account. The NGO said this was volunteer contributions for food and accommodation that were mistakenly routed to the wrong account.
- Foreign Funding Issues: The NGO received ₹4.93 lakh from foreign donors in 2021–22, allegedly for youth awareness programmes. The ministry said part of this was used to study “sovereignty of the country,” which it deemed impermissible.
- Unaccounted Receipts: For 2020–21, the NGO reported ₹79,200 as foreign contribution but did not credit it to its FCRA account. SECMOL explained that the amount was deducted directly from staff salaries as food fees. The MHA rejected this, calling it poor accounting practice.
Government’s Stand
In its order, the MHA said:
“Considering the facts and position narrated by the organisation, the Competent Authority hereby cancels with immediate effect the FCRA Certificate of Registration granted to the association – Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh.”
The ministry alleged that SECMOL’s accounts were not properly maintained and that several transactions contravened sections 12(4), 17, and 18 of the Act.
Wangchuk’s Response and the Political Fallout
Sonam Wangchuk, who ended a month-long hunger strike on Wednesday after the protests turned violent, has accused the Centre of silencing democratic voices instead of addressing Ladakh’s demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections.
The timing of the cancellation — a day after the bloodshed in Leh — is likely to intensify the standoff between Ladakh’s activists and the Union government. Critics say the action signals a crackdown on dissent, while officials argue that “politically motivated individuals” are attempting to derail ongoing talks.
What’s Next
With SECMOL losing its FCRA licence, the NGO can no longer legally receive foreign funds — a move that could severely impact its educational and ecological initiatives in Ladakh.
The decision adds another layer to Ladakh’s turmoil, where demands for greater autonomy, ecological safeguards, and political representation are colliding with the Centre’s hardline approach.
Whether this cancellation quells unrest or further fuels resentment will determine how the Ladakh crisis unfolds in the weeks ahead.
