Government Cancels FCRA Licence of Institute Linked to Sonam Wangchuk After Leh Violence

The Ministry of Home Affairs has cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an institute associated with climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk. The decision, announced on Wednesday, comes just a day after violence broke out in Leh during protests demanding greater safeguards for Ladakh’s environment and culture.

According to officials, SECMOL’s foreign funding licence was revoked following the detection of multiple violations of FCRA provisions. The ministry had earlier issued a show-cause notice to the institute on August 20, followed by a reminder on September 10. SECMOL submitted its reply on September 19, but the government concluded that the response was unsatisfactory and proceeded with the cancellation.

The move effectively bars the institute from receiving foreign contributions, a major source of support for several educational and cultural initiatives in the region. SECMOL, established in 1988, has been widely recognised for its innovative educational practices and for promoting sustainable living in Ladakh’s challenging ecological conditions.

While the ministry has maintained that the action is purely regulatory, the timing of the decision has drawn attention. The cancellation comes amid heightened tensions in Leh, where clashes erupted between protesters and security forces during demonstrations for Sixth Schedule protections and greater autonomy.

Sonam Wangchuk, who has been vocal about the fragile ecosystem of Ladakh and the rights of its people, has not yet issued a formal response to the government’s action. However, the development is expected to fuel further debate about the space for activism and civil society in strategically sensitive regions like Ladakh.

Observers suggest that the cancellation may have long-term implications for both grassroots education initiatives and the broader discourse on Ladakh’s future.