New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry on Thursday cancelled the FCRA licence of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an organisation founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, with immediate effect.
According to the ministry, the decision followed several financial discrepancies, including a fund transfer from Sweden that it deemed against “national interest.”
The move comes a day after four people were killed in clashes between statehood supporters and security forces in Leh, during which the government blamed Wangchuk for inciting violence.
SECMOL had been authorised to receive foreign contributions for cultural and educational programmes. Wangchuk also founded the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), which is under a CBI probe for alleged FCRA violations.
The ministry said SECMOL failed to explain multiple irregularities despite being issued a show-cause notice. These included:
A deposit of ₹3.5 lakh in the FCRA account during 2021–22, allegedly violating Section 17 of the Act. SECMOL claimed it was from the sale of a bus bought with FCRA funds, but the ministry flagged the cash receipt as a violation.
A claimed foreign contribution of ₹3.35 lakh from Wangchuk, which was not reflected in the official FCRA account.
An “erroneous” transfer of ₹54,600 in local funds into the FCRA account.
A grant of ₹4.93 lakh from Sweden for youth awareness workshops on migration, climate change, food security, and organic farming, which the ministry said included activities related to “sovereignty”—deemed contrary to national interest.
Rejecting SECMOL’s explanations, the ministry invoked its powers under Section 14 of the FCRA to revoke the licence.
Responding earlier in the day, Wangchuk accused the government of attempting to frame him. Leading a peaceful campaign for Ladakh’s statehood and constitutional safeguards, he warned that his arrest could escalate tensions.
“I see they are building a case to bring me under the Public Safety Act and jail me for two years. I am ready for that, but Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than free Sonam Wangchuk,” he said.
