Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO FCRA License Cancelled by Home Ministry Amid Ladakh Protests
NEW DELHI – In a major development, the Union Home Ministry has cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) license of the NGO founded by acclaimed innovator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The move, which bars the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) from receiving foreign funding, comes as Wangchuk continues to lead a significant protest demanding statehood and constitutional protections for Ladakh.
This action follows a preliminary inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged FCRA violations by the organization.
CBI Probe Precedes FCRA Cancellation
The decision by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was not made in a vacuum. Official sources point to an ongoing investigation by the CBI into the financial conduct of the NGO. The probe focuses on alleged non-compliance with the regulations stipulated under the FCRA, which governs the flow of foreign funds to Indian non-profits.
While the specifics of the alleged violations have not been made public, the cancellation marks a decisive step by the central government, effectively halting a major source of revenue for the educational and environmental work carried out by Wangchuk’s institute.
A Move to Weaken the Ladakh Protest?
The timing of the FCRA license cancellation has raised alarm among activists and supporters of the Ladakh movement. Sonam Wangchuk has been the most prominent face of the ongoing protests, demanding:
- Full-fledged statehood for the Union Territory of Ladakh.
- Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect the region’s tribal rights and fragile ecosystem.
- The establishment of a dedicated Public Service Commission for Ladakh.
Critics argue that the government’s action is a politically motivated attempt to stifle dissent and put pressure on Wangchuk to end his agitation. By cutting off foreign funds, the operational capacity of his influential NGO is significantly hampered, which could indirectly impact the momentum of the protest movement.
What is the FCRA and What’s Next?
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, is a stringent law that regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by Indian entities. The government has tightened its enforcement in recent years, leading to the cancellation of licenses for thousands of NGOs across the country.
For Sonam Wangchuk’s HIAL, this cancellation means an immediate stop to all overseas funding. The institute, known for its work in promoting sustainable development and alternative education in the Himalayas, will now have to rely solely on domestic resources. The future of several key projects may be in jeopardy, and the organization faces a challenging path forward as it navigates both financial constraints and the ongoing political struggle for Ladakh’s future.
