Govt cancels FCRA licence of Wangchuk's organisation over financial 'irregularities'

Wangchuk claims govt building case to jail him under PSA; warns such action may worsen tensions

- VINAY KUMAR

The Centre has cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an institute founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, citing multiple violations of the Act.

This action comes after the protests for Ladakh's statehood turned violent in Leh on Wednesday as protesters indulged in clashes with security personnel, leaving four dead and at least 80 injured, including 40 police personnel.

Putting the blame for the violence on Wangchuk, the Centre said his fast and “provocative” speeches stirred a mob that attacked BJP and government offices, set fire to property, and wounded more than 30 police and CRPF personnel. The Ministry of Home Affairs alleged that Wangchuk's references to the Arab Spring and Nepal's Gen Z protests had incited the mob.

Swinging into action, the Union Home Ministry cancelled the FCRA licence of Wangchuk's organisation SECMOL with “immediate effect”, a government order said.

The action of the ministry was based on several alleged discrepancies detected in the accounts of the organisation, including a fund transfer from Sweden which the ministry found was against “national interest”.

The Wangchuk-led organisation was granted the licence to accept foreign contributions for undertaking cultural and educational programmes, the order said. Besides SECMOL, Wangchuk had also founded Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), which is facing CBI inquiry related to alleged Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, or FCRA, violations. The Home Ministry had earlier issued a show cause notice to SECMOL seeking explanation on various irregularities observed in the finances of the organisation.

It was alleged that during financial year 2021-22, Wangchuk depos ited Rs 3.5 lakh into the FCRA account of the association in violation of section 17 of the Act.