Jammu, Sept 25: In a decisive move, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday cancelled the FCRA licence of Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, citing financial discrepancies and “activities against national interest.” The action came a day after violent protests in Leh left four civilians dead, over 90 injured and several buildings, including BJP and Hill Council offices, damaged in arson attacks.
Alongside the crackdown, Ladakh Police registered multiple FIRs and detained more than 50 people accused of rioting. Officials said the role of outsiders, including youth from Nepal and Jammu’s Doda district, is also under investigation. Sources revealed that petrol bombs were used during the violence, prompting authorities to suspect a larger conspiracy.
Even as curfew remained in force in Leh for the second straight day, the MHA initiated dialogue with the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA). A preparatory meeting with Home Ministry officials is scheduled in New Delhi on September 27 or 28, to be followed by a High Powered Committee discussion on statehood, Sixth Schedule safeguards, and enhanced parliamentary representation for Ladakh.
The bodies of the four slain civilians — Tsewang Tharchin (46), a retired soldier from Skurbuchan; Stanzin Namgyal (24) of Igoo; Jigmet Dorjay (25) of Kharnakling; and Rinchen Dadul (21) of Hanu — were handed over to their families today amid an outpouring of grief. At least seven of the injured are in critical condition, with one patient airlifted to New Delhi.
The cancellation of SECMOL’s FCRA licence followed what the MHA described as “serious violations,” including undisclosed cash deposits, irregular foreign donations, and use of funds for activities linked to sovereignty issues. A Swedish grant of nearly ₹5 lakh for youth workshops was red-flagged, with the Ministry stating that foreign contributions “cannot be accepted for studies on sovereignty of the nation as it is against national interests.”
Wangchuk, who has been spearheading Ladakh’s demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule status, accused the government of building a case to jail him under the Public Safety Act. “I am ready for that, but Sonam Wangchuk in jail may cause them more problems than free Sonam Wangchuk,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Kargil Democratic Alliance defended Wangchuk, calling the slain protesters “heroes of Ladakh” and demanding an impartial probe into Wednesday’s clashes. “Instead of addressing the people’s concerns, the administration used excessive force on unarmed protesters. This is like rubbing salt into our wounds,” said KDA co-chairman Asgar Ali Karbalai.
Ladakh MP Hanifa Jan echoed the call for restraint and genuine dialogue. “The Government must stop harassment of youth, hold a fair investigation and resume talks with all seriousness to resolve pending demands,” he said. Kargil observed a shutdown in solidarity with the victims.
Lieutenant Governor Kavinder Gupta chaired a high-level security review meeting, terming the violence “heart-wrenching” and blaming it on a conspiracy. Officials confirmed strict prohibitory orders remain in place across Leh and Kargil to prevent further escalation.
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