The Central Bureau of Investigation has been scrutinising the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), run by Ladakh-based activist Sonam Wangchuk, over alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act for the past two months, sources revealed on Thursday.
Though the inquiry remains at a preliminary stage, no official case has yet been registered. Investigators are said to be assessing whether the organisation received and utilised foreign contributions in line with FCRA guidelines.
The probe follows the Ladakh Administration’s decision in August to cancel a land allotment granted to HIAL. Authorities maintained that the land was not being used for the purpose originally stated, and further noted that no lease agreement had been executed.
Sources said the CBI could register a preliminary enquiry after completing its current round of checks. The matter adds to the pressure on Wangchuk, who has found himself at the centre of controversy in Ladakh’s simmering political climate.
Only a day earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) held him responsible for violent protests in Leh linked to demands for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule and statehood for Ladakh. “Activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike on September 10, demanding the 6th Schedule and statehood for Ladakh. It is well known that the Government of India has been actively engaged with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance on the same issues,” the MHA said in a statement.
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The ministry asserted that multiple meetings with stakeholders had already produced tangible results. “A series of meetings was held with them through the formal channels of the High-Powered Committee, as well as the Sub-committee, and multiple informal meetings with leaders,” the statement read.
The government highlighted outcomes such as increasing Scheduled Tribe reservations in Ladakh from 45 to 84 per cent, setting aside one-third of council seats for women, declaring Bhoti and Purgi as official languages, and commencing recruitment for 1,800 posts.
“However, certain politically motivated individuals were unhappy with the progress made under HPC and have been attempting to sabotage the dialogue process,” the ministry added, criticising Wangchuk for continuing his hunger strike despite appeals from several leaders to withdraw. The statement also accused him of “misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal.”
The MHA confirmed that the next meeting of the High-Powered Committee has been scheduled for October 6, while consultations with various local leaders are still underway.
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