The CBI has started an investigation into the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL) for alleged violations of the FCRA. The institute was founded by educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk. However, officials on Thursday confirmed that no FIR has been registered yet. An inquiry has been ongoing for some time. Wangchuk told the media that a CBI team arrived with “an order” about 10 days ago. There are also reports that Wangchuk was even called by CBI to appear before it but he is yet to respond. CBI is currently examining financial statements of HIAL and Wangchuk.
Did Ladakh Activist Sonam Wangchuk receive foreign funds?
In August, the Ladakh administration cancelled the land allotment for HIAL. Officials said the land was not being used for its intended purpose, and no lease agreement had been signed. A preliminary enquiry was initiated two months ago. If the CBI finds evidence during the inquiry, then it can file a formal case, otherwise the probe can be closed.
Wangchuk has already claimed that his institutions didn’t receive any contribution from foreign sources, but earned revenue from foreign countries for ‘export of knowledge’. He said, “The order said we have not taken clearance under FCRA to receive foreign funds. We don’t want to be dependent on foreign funds, but we export our knowledge and raise revenue. In three such instances, they thought it was foreign contribution.” Wangchuk claimed to the PTI. He added that a CBI team visited HIAL and the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) last week, seeking details of foreign funds received by them between 2022 and 2024.
Where is CBI Now?
The investigation team is still camping in Ladakh and going through accounts and statements of the organisations under probe.
MHA on Sonam Wangchuk
“A hunger strike was started by Sonam Wangchuk on September 10 stating the demand of (bringing the UT under) 6th schedule (of constitution) and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that the government of India has been actively engaged with Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) on the same issues. A series of meetings were held with them through a formal channel of high-powered committee as well as sub-committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders,”- said an MHA statement.
“The demands on which Wangchuk was on hunger strike are an integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal,” the ministry said.
