‘Action part of a political witch hunt’: Sonam Wangchuk
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has cancelled the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) licence of Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), the NGO founded by Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk. The cancellation bars SECMOL from receiving any foreign funding.
Allegations Against SECMOL
The government cited alleged irregularities in SECMOL’s accounts and violations of FCRA norms as reasons for the cancellation. A fund transfer from Sweden was specifically flagged as being “against national interest.”
Wangchuk’s Response
Sonam Wangchuk dismissed the action as a “political witch hunt” and said the authorities were fabricating a case against him. He maintained that SECMOL had not sought foreign donations and that limited payments received from international agencies were in exchange for technical knowledge, such as passive solar building designs, with all taxes paid.
Protests in Ladakh
The decision coincides with protests in Ladakh over statehood demands. The demonstrations recently turned violent, leading to four deaths and several injuries after clashes with security forces. Officials have suggested that Wangchuk’s speeches may have provoked attacks on government offices, including a BJP office and the local election office.
SECMOL’s Stand
SECMOL confirmed it had responded to a show-cause notice from the Home Ministry earlier this month. The organisation has denied wrongdoing and said the decision reflects a broader pattern of action against NGOs in politically sensitive regions.
