CBI Probes Sonam Wangchuk Over Foreign Funding, Pakistan Visit, and Ladakh Protests
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a probe into alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) involving the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), an educational institution founded by renowned Ladakhi activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk.
The investigation, which began two months ago, also includes a review of Mr. Wangchuk’s visit to Pakistan on February 6, 2025, officials said. These developments come amid heightened tensions in the Union Territory, where Mr. Wangchuk has been actively campaigning for statehood for Ladakh and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
In August, the Ladakh administration cancelled the land allotment to HIAL, sparking widespread outrage. Several Ladakhi groups criticized the move, calling it an attempt to suppress voices demanding constitutional safeguards for the region.
The situation escalated further after Mr. Wangchuk was accused of inciting violence during recent protests. Clashes erupted on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to at least 80 individuals, including 40 security personnel, despite the imposition of a curfew in the district.
The unrest followed the withdrawal of Mr. Wangchuk’s 15-day hunger strike, which was called off after the deteriorating health of two protestors led to their hospitalization. The protest was spearheaded by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body, one of the leading groups advocating for Ladakhi rights.
During the violence, protestors reportedly vandalized the offices of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Ladakh Hill Council, and set multiple vehicles on fire. In response, police and paramilitary forces deployed in large numbers used tear gas to restore order.
In a statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) accused Mr. Wangchuk of making “provocative statements” that allegedly fueled the violence. The ministry claimed that certain politically motivated individuals were unhappy with the progress of talks between the Centre and Ladakhi representatives, and were attempting to derail the dialogue.
“The demands raised by Mr. Wangchuk are already part of the discussions under the High Powered Committee (HPC). Despite repeated appeals from community leaders to end his hunger strike, he continued with it, invoking references to movements like the Arab Spring and Gen Z protests in Nepal,” the ministry said.
It added that the Government of India has been holding consistent dialogue with stakeholders, including the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, through both formal and informal channels.
Meanwhile, Congress leader and councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag has been booked for allegedly delivering a provocative speech at the hunger strike venue on Tuesday.
