New Delhi, Sep 25: The Union Home Ministry has cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, effective immediately. The ministry’s decision comes amid concerns regarding alleged financial irregularities.
Officials reported discrepancies in SECMOL’s accounts, notably a questionable fund transfer from Sweden that the ministry deemed contrary to “national interest.” The organization previously received the FCRA licence to accept foreign contributions for cultural and educational initiatives.
In addition to SECMOL, Wangchuk also founded the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), which is currently under a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe for suspected FCRA violations. Earlier, the home ministry had issued a show-cause notice to SECMOL, seeking clarification regarding several financial irregularities.
During the financial year 2021-22, Wangchuk allegedly deposited Rs 3.5 lakh into SECMOL’s FCRA account, reportedly in violation of Section 17 of the FCRA. The organization explained that this amount was the sale proceeds of an old bus bought in 2015 through FCRA funds, stating that the proceeds from any asset funded by FCRA must be directed to its account.
The home ministry countered that the amount was received in cash and inadequately disclosed in SECMOL’s response. Furthermore, the ministry noted that an amount of Rs 3.35 lakh, identified as a foreign contribution from Wangchuk himself, was not reflected in the FCRA account, breaching Section 18 of the Act.
SECMOL also flagged a transfer of Rs 54,600 from local funds to its FCRA accounts, which the organization claimed was an error. Another concerning transaction includes a foreign contribution of approximately Rs 4.93 lakh from Sweden, intended for youth awareness programs on migration, climate change, and other pressing issues. The home ministry emphasized the inappropriateness of accepting such funds for studies on national sovereignty, interpreting it as a potential threat to national interests.
Given these multiple discrepancies, the home ministry cited Section 14 of the FCRA to justify the immediate cancellation of SECMOL’s licence. This decision has sparked alarm within the activist community, particularly among those advocating for greater autonomy and constitutional rights for Ladakh.
Earlier today, Wangchuk expressed concerns regarding his personal safety and accused the government of constructing a case against him. He stated, “I see they are building up a case to bring me under the Public Safety Act and throw me in jail for two years. I am ready for that, but Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than free Sonam Wangchuk.”
Wangchuk has been at the forefront of peaceful protests for statehood in Ladakh, raising awareness about local issues amid heightened scrutiny from the authorities. His commitment to the region and its people remains steadfast, even in the face of increasing challenges.
