Leh: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a probe into alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) by the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), founded by educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk. Officials said the inquiry, which began two months ago, is also examining Wangchuk’s February 6 visit to Pakistan.
Wangchuk, a key advocate for Ladakh’s statehood and the extension of the Sixth Schedule, recently ended a hunger strike that had drawn wide attention. In August, the Ladakh administration cancelled a land allotment to HIAL, a decision that triggered criticism from local groups, who described it as an attempt to stifle voices seeking constitutional safeguards. The move came amid allegations that Wangchuk had incited violent protests over statehood issues.
On Wednesday, clashes erupted in Leh, leaving four dead and at least 80 injured, including 40 security personnel. Youths reportedly engaged in arson, vandalism of BJP and Hill Council offices, and set vehicles ablaze. Police and paramilitary forces responded with teargas, enforcing a district-wide curfew. The protests were reportedly called by the Leh Apex Body youth wing after the hospitalisation of two hunger strikers, just as Wangchuk withdrew from his fortnight-long strike.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) alleged that Wangchuk’s “provocative references to Arab Spring-style protests and Gen Z movements in Nepal” misled people and undermined ongoing High Powered Committee (HPC) discussions with Ladakhi groups. Additionally, Congress councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag faces charges for allegedly making an inflammatory speech at the strike venue.
The Centre emphasized that it has held multiple formal and informal meetings with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, but accused “politically motivated individuals” of sabotaging dialogue. The government argued that statehood and Sixth Schedule demands were already being considered in HPC discussions.
Local groups, however, see the CBI probe and administrative crackdown as a deepening alienation of Ladakhis. Many activists argue that targeting Wangchuk for pushing democratic demands undermines the region’s aspirations for greater autonomy and protections promised under the Constitution. The ongoing tensions highlight the fragile balance between citizen activism and administrative control, raising concerns over the future of political dialogue and civil liberties in Ladakh.
