Ladakh (Union Territory): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a preliminary enquiry (PE) into alleged violations of foreign funding laws by Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), officials said on Thursday. No FIR has been registered yet, and the enquiry aims to ascertain whether a case can be made under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
Details of the preliminary enquiry
According to sources, the CBI launched the PE about two months ago following a reference from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). As part of the investigation, the agency is examining financial statements of HIAL and Wangchuk personally. Wangchuk has reportedly been called to appear before the CBI but has yet to respond.
Wangchuk told PTI that the CBI visited HIAL and the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) last week, seeking details of foreign funds received between 2022 and 2024. He clarified, “We have not taken clearance under FCRA to receive foreign funds. We don’t want to be dependent on foreign funds, but we export our knowledge and raise revenue. In three instances, they considered it foreign contribution.”
Government allegations regarding Ladakh violence
The Centre has held Wangchuk responsible for inciting unrest in Leh on Wednesday, during protests over the demand for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. A hunger strike initiated by Wangchuk on September 10 highlighted these demands.
In a statement, the MHA said, “The demands on which Wangchuk was on hunger strike are part of ongoing discussions with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). Despite multiple requests to call off the hunger strike, he continued and misled the public through provocative mentions of Arab Spring-style protests and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal.”
The MHA detailed that at around 11:30 am on Wednesday, a mob allegedly incited by Wangchuk left the hunger strike venue and attacked political and government offices in Leh. Protesters reportedly set offices on fire, attacked security personnel, and torched a police vehicle. Over 30 police and CRPF personnel were injured, and police resorted to firing in self-defence, resulting in some casualties.
Wangchuk’s response
Wangchuk maintained that the PE is focused on technicalities related to foreign funding and that HIAL does not rely on foreign contributions. He reiterated that the institute primarily generates revenue by exporting knowledge and providing educational services.
Conclusion
The CBI’s preliminary enquiry marks the start of a formal investigation into financial and procedural aspects of Wangchuk’s institutes, while authorities continue to probe the recent violent protests in Leh. The unfolding developments highlight the intersection of activism, legal compliance, and law-and-order concerns in the Union Territory, with further updates expected as the investigation progresses.