JAMMU, Sept 25: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday cancelled the FCRA license of Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, with immediate effect, citing financial discrepancies and foreign funding issues. The move came a day after violent protests in Leh left four people dead and 90 injured.
MHA representatives met Leh Apex Body (LAB) leaders in Leh; next meeting to be held in New Delhi within two days.
Simultaneously, the MHA initiated dialogue with Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) representatives, holding a meeting in Leh today. A preparatory meeting with the Home Ministry has been scheduled in New Delhi on September 27 or 28, followed by an official meeting of the High-Powered Committee to discuss key demands including Statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, along with two separate parliamentary seats.
Authorities said over 50 rioters have been detained and multiple FIRs lodged, with more action expected against those accused of instigating violence. The MHA has directly blamed Wangchuk for provoking the unrest, while two Congress councilors are also under the scanner. Some suspects could face detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
The district administration has ordered closure of schools and colleges for two days in Leh and continued curfew with ITBP, CRPF and police patrolling sensitive areas. Investigators are also probing the role of outsiders, including youth from Nepal and J&K’s Doda district, and are tracing the source of petrol bombs used during arson attacks on BJP and Hill Council offices.
The MHA order cited violations of Section 17 and 18 of FCRA, including undisclosed cash deposits, irregular foreign contributions and funding for projects it deemed against “national interest.” Wangchuk alleged that the government is “building a case” to detain him under PSA, warning about threats to his personal safety.
Meanwhile, the Kargil Democratic Alliance demanded an impartial probe into the firing on protesters, accusing the administration of excessive use of force and “witch-hunting” of youth. Kargil observed a complete shutdown in solidarity with the Leh protests.
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Labels: MHA, Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk, Leh Violence, FCRA
Tags: #Ladakh #SonamWangchuk #MHA #LehProtests #FCRA #Statehood
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