The central government has canceled the FCRA registration of the non-profit organization of Ladakh climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. It is alleged that the NGO repeatedly violated the law related to foreign funding. This step was taken 24 hours after the violent protest demanded to give state status in the Union Territory under the leadership of Wangchuk. The Ministry of Home Affairs canceled the FCRA license of Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) which is connected to Sonam Wangchuk.
Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation had initiated an investigation into the alleged violation of the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation) Act in institutions associated with Wangchuk. An official said that the preliminary investigation was going on for some time, but no FIR has been registered in this case yet.
Sonam Wangchuk established the institution in 1988
Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh were founded in 1988 by Sonam Wangchuk. This organization has been working in the fields of education reform, environmental protection and cultural activities in Ladakh. After this move of the government, political and social stir in Ladakh has intensified. Wangchuk is already in the discussion about the environmental and constitutional demands of Ladakh.
Violence and Home Ministry accused in Ladakh
Recently, Wangchuk started a hunger strike from September 10, demanding Ladakh to include Ladakh in the sixth schedule and give state status. Meanwhile, on Wednesday (September 24, 2025), the region had the most serious violence after 1989, in which the youth attacked the BJP headquarters and the Hill Council and set the vehicles on fire. Police and paramilitary forces had to fire tear gas shells to bring the situation under control. Four protesters died in the clashes and more than 80 people, including 30 policemen, were injured.
Ministry of Home Affairs
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a statement saying that Sonam Wangchuk instigated the crowd through his inflammatory statements. Amidst violent incidents, he broke his fast and went to his village by ambulance without making any widespread efforts to control the situation.