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Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on Friday following violent protests in Leh on aSeptember 24
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. (AFP file photo)
The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh on Tuesday strongly denied allegations of a “witch-hunt” against education reformer and activist Sonam Wangchuk, stating that all actions taken by law enforcement agencies are based on “credible inputs and documents.”
In an official press statement issued by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, the Ladakh Administration clarified that recent investigations into alleged financial irregularities involving the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), co-founded by Wangchuk, are supported by prima facie evidence.
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The clarification comes in response to media reports and statements made by Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, who claimed her husband is being targeted and falsely portrayed as “anti-national.” She alleged that the ongoing action against him and his organisations as a “witch-hunt,” intended to discredit the movement demanding Sixth Schedule protections and statehood for Ladakh.
Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on Friday following violent protests in Leh on September 24, which resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to several others, including police personnel. He has since been shifted to a jail in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
The Ladakh Administration, in its statement, rejected the idea of a political vendetta or smokescreen. “There is no question of witch-hunting or smoke screen. Actions taken by the law enforcement agencies are based on credible inputs and documents. The agencies should be allowed to continue with their investigation impartially without vitiating the process,” the statement said.
It further added that HIAL is under scrutiny for allegedly issuing degrees despite not being a recognised university and for failing to fully disclose foreign funds in its financial records for relevant years.
“Despite knowing that it is not a recognized university, HIAL is issuing degrees to young men and women jeopardising their future prospects. HIAL did not make full disclosure of foreign funds in their balance sheets in relevant Financial Years,” the statement noted.
The Administration also addressed the cancellation of SECMOL’s FCRA licence, stating that the decision was taken after multiple violations were found. It emphasised that legal avenues remain open to the organisation to appeal the decision.
The statement also took exception to “provocative” comments made by Wangchuk during his protest, accusing him of referencing countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in a manner that could incite the public, particularly the youth.
The Administration reiterated that talks with Ladakh leaders were already proposed for 20 September, and flexibility was shown in scheduling. Despite this, it claimed, Wangchuk “made multiple provocative statements” that further escalated tensions.
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(With inputs from PTI)
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
Ladakh, India, India
September 30, 2025, 23:31 IST
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