MHA Cancels FCRA Licence of Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO Amid Violations and Ladakh Protest Unrest

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday, September 25, cancelled the FCRA licence of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh, an NGO founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The decision came shortly after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a probe into the organisation’s activities.

The cancellation order coincided with escalating tensions in Leh, where four people lost their lives in police firing during a violent statehood protest. The unrest has intensified political debate, with the government alleging long-standing violations by the NGO.

MHA cancels FCRA licence of Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO citing violations

The MHA order noted multiple breaches under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). According to officials, the NGO was found guilty of misusing foreign contributions, illegally occupying 200 Kanals of land without paying dues, and allegedly maintaining questionable international connections.

The organisation had been issued a show-cause notice on August 20, followed by a letter on September 10, asking why its FCRA registration should not be cancelled. Its reply, submitted on September 20, failed to convince authorities. The government concluded that several violations persisted and ordered immediate cancellation under Section 14(1) of the Act.

Amit Malviya shares 2007 notice on Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO

Following the cancellation, BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya highlighted that the NGO’s irregularities had been flagged as early as 2007, long before the BJP came to power at the Centre or in Jammu and Kashmir. Sharing a copy of an official notice from the UPA era, he claimed that concerns regarding Wangchuk’s activities were longstanding.

The 2007 notice, allegedly issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Leh, listed charges of misappropriation of foreign funds, illegal land occupation, and attempts to destabilise Ladakh’s political harmony. It also raised suspicions about maintaining “anti-national connections” abroad, including in China.

Ladakh unrest and Wangchuk’s hunger strike add to tensions

The cancellation of the FCRA licence comes against the backdrop of political unrest in Ladakh. Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike demanding statehood for over a month, called off his fast on September 24 following the violence.

The Centre claimed that “certain politically motivated individuals” were unhappy with the progress of ongoing talks between the government and Ladakh groups. A crucial dialogue session is scheduled for October 7, but officials allege attempts are being made to derail the process.

Government reiterates concerns over NGO’s activities

The official order signed by MHA Deputy Secretary Rajesh Kumar T confirmed the cancellation, stressing that the decision was based on documented violations and longstanding irregularities. The government argued that the organisation’s activities posed a risk to Ladakh’s political stability and harmony.

The move has sparked sharp reactions from activists and political circles, as it coincides with heightened protests in the region. Observers note that the decision is likely to fuel further debate around Ladakh’s statehood demand and Wangchuk’s activism.

(The content is sourced from agencies and has not been edited by mtimes.co.in.)

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