The BRICS TimesThe Home Ministry has revoked the license of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s SECMOL over foreign funding violations. The move followed violent protests in Ladakh that left four people dead. Wangchuk has declared he is prepared to face arrest under PSA.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has canceled the license of Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), the institution founded by renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Authorities cited several violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) as the primary reason for this decision.
This move came just a day after protests in Leh demanding statehood for Ladakh turned violent. The demonstrations escalated into clashes that caused four deaths, while around 80 people, including 40 policemen, sustained injuries.
Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal strongly criticized the action in a social media post. He said, “Read about Sonam Wangchuk. The man thinks about the country, about education, and creates innovative ideas. Yet the central government machinery is harassing him under dirty politics. It deeply pains me to see who holds the reins of this nation. How will the country progress in such a situation?”
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj also raised questions through social media. He remarked, “If the government arrests Sonam Wangchuk under false charges, should Delhi witness a massive peaceful movement?”
The central government directly blamed Wangchuk for the violence in Ladakh, claiming his fasts and “provocative” speeches incited the crowd. According to the ministry, protesters attacked BJP and government offices, set properties on fire, and injured more than 30 police and CRPF personnel. Officials further alleged that Wangchuk’s references to the Arab Spring and Nepal’s Gen-Z protests stirred public anger.
Responding to the allegations, Wangchuk declared he is willing to face detention under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Speaking to PTI, he stated, “To say that I or sometimes Congress provoked this unrest is nothing more than searching for a scapegoat instead of addressing the root cause of the issue. They may be clever in finding scapegoats, but they are not wise.”
