How Wangchuk’s NGO Received Foreign Funding To Study ‘Sovereignty of Nation’, FCRA Suspended

Ladakh: The Union government has cancelled the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an organisation (NGO) founded by activist Sonam Wangchuk, revealing the stark truth behind the operations of the NGO. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in its findings, revealed that SECMOL, Wangchuk's NGO, received foreign funds in the financial year 2021-22 for studies on the ‘sovereignty of the country’, among other topics aligned with foreign donors' objectives.

The sources stated that the cancellation of NGO's license stems from findings that SECMOL received foreign funds for studies on the sovereignty of the country, which is deemed against national interest according to the law. The organisation's move was a clear violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, as per the government. 

Centre Cancels Wangchuk NGO's FCRA License After Show Cause Notice

The Centre's action came after a show-cause notice, issued to Wangchuk's NGO on August 20, this year, followed by an email on September 10, asking why its FCRA registration shouldn't be cancelled.

As per reports, SECMOL was granted registration under the FCRA to accept foreign contributions for cultural and educational programmes. However, following the show cause notice issued and subsequent communications, the Home Ministry determined that the organisation violated FCRA provisions. Specifically, SECMOL received Rs 4,93,205 from a foreign donor named ‘framstidjorden’ for an educational programme focusing on issues like migration, climate change, and ‘sovereignty’ of the nation through workshops and training. The MHA asserted that accepting foreign contributions for studying sovereignty is not permissible under the Act and contravenes national interest.

In its response to the show cause notice, SECMOL had stated that the funds were utilised strictly in line with the organisation's objectives and for the specific purposes allocated. They maintained that all activities were educational in nature and thus did not constitute a violation. However, the Union Home Ministry's findings contradicted the stance, establishing that the association admitted to receiving donations for studying sovereignty, which is prohibited.

Ministry Found Discrepancies In Reporting Of Foreign Donation

Further violations were noted during the financial year 2021-22. Sonam Wangchuk deposited Rs 3.5 lakh into SECMOL's FCRA account, which the organisation claimed was from the sale proceeds of an old bus purchased using FCRA funds. The central government found the explanation untenable, pointing out discrepancies in the reporting of this transaction as a foreign donation from Sonam Wangchuk in violation of sections 17 and 18 of the FCRA. Additionally, local funds amounting to Rs 54,600 were deposited into the FCRA account in FY 2020-21 by three people, contravening section 17 of the Act.

Sonam Wangchuk has been vocal about demands for Ladakh's inclusion under the Sixth Schedule and for statehood, recently undertaking a hunger strike. The cancellation of SECMOL's FCRA licence comes amidst heightened tensions in Ladakh following violent protests demanding statehood, where at least four people lost their lives and several were injured. Wangchuk alleges that the investigation into FCRA violations is politically motivated, coinciding with his hunger strike for Ladakh's demands.

In the past, Wangchuk has undertaken hunger strikes and led marches like the ‘Delhi Chalo Padyatra’ to push for Ladakh's constitutional safeguards.

4 Killed As Protests Turn Violent In Ladakh

The violence erupted in Ladakh's Leh district on Wednesday, leaving at least four people dead and over 80 injured, including 40 police personnel. The unrest was led by a shutdown called by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which has been spearheading a five-year campaign seeking statehood for Ladakh.

The protestors specifically targeted and  torched a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office, along with police vehicles, and several private cars, prompting the police to open fire and deploy tear gas to restore order. The situation was brought under control by 4 pm, according to the Union Home Ministry, which confirmed that "barring unfortunate incidents that happened early in the day, the situation in Ladakh is brought under control by 4 pm".

Wangchuk Calls Off Fast

Following the violence leading to the death of 4 people, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a 15-day hunger strike demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, called off his fast. Wangchuk also condemned the youths' actions but attributed the unrest to their "venting of frustration" over unemployment and years of peaceful protests without results. He urged the government to heed the demands of the protestors and maintain peace in the region.

After the violence, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), prohibiting gatherings of five or more people without prior written approval. Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta stated that the violence was orchestrated under a conspiracy to disturb the peaceful atmosphere in Ladakh and vowed to take stern action against those responsible.

BJP Accuses Congress Councillor Of Instigating Violence

The BJP has blamed Congress for instigating the unrest, with BJP MP Sambit Patra pointing to Congress councillor Stanzing Tsepang as the "main instigator" of the violence. However, Wangchuk refuted the claims, saying he didn't believe the Congress had the strength to mobilise the youth for protests.

The Union Home Ministry has assured that the central government stands committed to meeting the aspirations of Ladakh's people by ensuring adequate constitutional safeguards. Talks with Ladakhi groups will continue, with the next High Powered Committee meeting scheduled for October 6.