Srinagar, Sept 26, KDC: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, at the forefront of the agitation demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, was arrested by Leh Police on Friday under the stringent National Security Act (NSA), a day after the Union Home Ministry cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of his organisation, the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL).
Officials confirmed that Wangchuk was detained in Leh following days of violent protests that left four people dead and over 70 injured during clashes between demonstrators and security forces. The administration has kept details of his detention location under wraps, with sources saying it is yet to be decided whether he will be shifted to a jail or another facility. Internet services remain suspended in Leh, while a strict curfew continues, keeping schools and colleges shut till September 27.
The arrest came close on the heels of the Centre’s move to revoke SECMOL’s FCRA licence citing “serious discrepancies” in financial records, including alleged violations involving cash deposits, undeclared donations, and a fund transfer of ₹4.93 lakh from Sweden that the ministry termed against “national interest.” The organisation, founded by Wangchuk, was originally granted permission to receive foreign contributions for cultural and educational programmes.
According to the Home Ministry, SECMOL had deposited ₹3.5 lakh into its FCRA account in 2021-22 from the sale of an old bus, but in cash, which was flagged as a violation of Section 17 of the Act. Another donation of ₹3.35 lakh from Wangchuk himself was not reflected in the FCRA account, violating Section 18. A separate transfer of ₹54,600 in local funds into the FCRA account was described as a “mistake” by SECMOL but also recorded as a violation.
Rejecting SECMOL’s defence that the funds were used strictly for educational activities, the ministry ruled that foreign contributions could not be utilised for studies related to sovereignty, calling it a matter of “national interest.” Citing multiple irregularities, the licence was cancelled with immediate effect under Section 14 of the Act.
Meanwhile, Wangchuk, who had recently called off his 15-day hunger strike following the outbreak of violence, alleged that the government was preparing to jail him. “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 for that, but Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than free Sonam Wangchuk,” he said.
Political leaders, including Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and Congress leader G.A. Mir, have condemned Wangchuk’s arrest, calling it “unfortunate” and “unwarranted.” (KDC)
