A day after violence rocked Ladakh’s capital Leh, leading to at least four deaths, it has been reported that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is holding an investigation against activist Sonam Wangchuk’s institution over alleged FCRA violations.
An official of the investigation agency said the CBI has launched a probe into alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act against an institution founded by Sonam Wangchuk. The official added that the probe is not new and has been going on for some time; however, an FIR has yet to be filed in the case.
The violence in Ladakh took place yesterday amid a fast by the educationist and activist in support of his demand for statehood. At least four people lost their lives and more than 80 others were injured in yesterday’s violence, during which the Leh BJP office was set on fire along with other vehicles belonging to security forces.
Following yesterday’s violence, curfew was imposed in the violence-hit Leh. The police and paramilitary forces launched a crackdown against those involved in the violence and detained at least 50 people.
The people have been demanding statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh, which was designated as a Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370 and the division of the state of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019.
The FCRA allegations against Wangchuk’s organisations
As per a news agency, Wangchuk said a CBI team had served them “an order” some 10 days ago, on a complaint by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The complaint alleged FCRA violations in the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL). It claimed that the institute had not taken clearance under FCRA to receive foreign funds.
According to Wangchuk, the CBI team inspected the premises of HIAL and the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) last week, asking for details on foreign funding during the period between 2022 and 2024. The team has been looking into accounts and statements of the organisations.
For the record, Wangchuk began his latest hunger strike on September 10 to press for Ladakh’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and for statehood.
The Centre Wednesday evening, said that “certain politically-motivated individuals were unhappy with the progress made under HPC (High-Powered Committee) and have been attempting to sabotage the dialogue process.” According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Government of India has been holding talks with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance on these contentious issues through the HPC, its sub-committee, and multiple informal meetings.
The MHA in a press note mentioned that this process had delivered key outcomes, including raising reservations for the Ladakh scheduled tribe from 45 per cent to 84 per cent, providing one-third of women’s reservations in the councils, declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and starting recruitment for 1,800 posts.
The next meeting of the HPC is scheduled for October 6, with additional meetings due to take place on September 25 and 26 (today and tomorrow) with Ladakh leaders.