Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Leh has canceled the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (Hial) allocation of more than 1076 kanals given in Fiyang village. This institute is an initiative established by famous climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Sonam Wangchuk accused the government of using the issue of land due to Wangchuk’s active participation in the state status for Ladakh and the active participation of Wangchuk in the political battle for the sixth schedule.
Sonam Wangchuk and Dr. Geetanjali J. Angamo denied
As per an official order issued by Lahdc Leh Deputy Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer Romil Singh, the land has been returned to the state after not using the land for the purpose allotted by the institute.
Hial founders Sonam Wangchuk and Dr. Geetanjali J. Angamo, however, denied the allegations that the government was misleading people about cancellation of land and said that this university was not a regular, but an alternative university.
Sonam Wangchuk will continue the fight for the sixth schedule
HIAL co-founder Dr. Gitanjali J. Angamo said, “We met UGC President and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who told us that the allocation will be postponed as long as Sonam Wangchuk continues for the sixth schedule.”
However, the government order states that this land was originally approved for the establishment of a university in May 2018. However, it was unused for more than seven years and the authorities recorded several violations in the process.
Instructions to update as soon as possible
The order states that no university was established at that place, no formal lease deeds were executed and the institute did not follow the requirements even after the allocation period ended on 5 May 2019. Citing these violations, the Deputy Commissioner directed LAHDC officers and Tehsildar Leh to remove all types of encroachments from the land and update the revenue records as soon as possible.
Sonam Wangchuk strongly condemned notice
The move is being seen as a shock for the Himalayan Institute, which made an identity to promote alternative education models in Ladakh, inspired by Wangchuk’s sustainable education and environmental-innovative innovation. However, it can also turn into a large political battle.
Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), who are leading political struggle for state status and other demands in Ladakh, have strongly condemned the notice given by the administration in the Sonam Wangchuk land allocation case and termed it as political vengeance.
Coalition leaders said this
The coalition leaders said, “Our voice cannot be suppressed by such drastic steps and we will fight against any such attempt to unite Ladakh.” Kargil Democratic Alliance at Kargil also resorted to ‘X’.
Sajjad Kargili wrote, ‘I strongly condemn the cancellation of land allocation for Sonam Wangchuk’s HIL. This is a condemnable political vengeance done with the aim of suppressing the voices of disagreement of Ladakh. #Kargil stands in solidarity with Democratic Alliance @Wangchuk66 and Leh Apex body. A meeting will be held soon to issue an official statement.
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