The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun an inquiry into alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) against the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), founded by educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk. Officials confirmed that while an inquiry has been ongoing for some time, no FIR has yet been registered.
Wangchuk said a CBI team arrived in Ladakh about ten days ago with “an order” based on a complaint from the Ministry of Home Affairs. “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,” he told PTI.
Knowledge export versus alleged violations
Wangchuk clarified that the complaint pertained to service agreements with institutions such as the United Nations, a Swiss university, and an Italian organisation. Taxes had been duly paid to the government. “It was a very dignified assignment. They saw it and they were convinced. They understood it was not helping them, so they began asking for accounts outside that period. Their mandate was to check for accounts during 2022-24, but they started asking for accounts of 2021 and 2020. Then they went to our school asking for various documents outside their mandate period and a school outside the complaint's purview,” he alleged.
Both HIAL and the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL) provide free education to underprivileged students. At HIAL, students also receive stipends for working on various projects. Wangchuk said the CBI officers are still in Ladakh reviewing accounts but have not questioned him personally, per PTI.
A series of challenges amid the unrest in Ladakh
Wangchuk said the FCRA inquiry follows a string of actions against him, including a sedition case filed by local police, the revocation of land allotted for HIAL citing lease payment issues, and an income tax summons. “Ladakh is a tax-free region, yet I voluntarily pay taxes and receive summons. They even resurrected a four-year-old complaint about unpaid laborers. It is guns blazing from all sides on us,” he added.
Notably, Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since September 10, demanding the region’s inclusion in the Sixth Schedule and full statehood. On Wednesday, Leh witnessed the worst violence since 1989, with youths setting fire to the BJP headquarters, the Hill Council office, and vehicles. Police and paramilitary forces resorted to teargas to restore order, according to officials.
