Ladakh Administration Refutes Charges of Witch-Hunt, Defends Action Against Sonam Wangchuk
Leh, Oct 1, CNS: The Administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh on Tuesday strongly refuted allegations of victimisation of individuals, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, insisting that all actions taken by law enforcement agencies were based on credible inputs and evidence.
In a clarification issued through the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), the administration said there was “no question of witch-hunting or creating a smoke screen,” as suggested in recent press conferences and media statements. It added that the ongoing investigations against institutions and individuals in Ladakh were being carried out in accordance with law and must be allowed to proceed impartially.
The statement said the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), associated with Wangchuk, was under investigation for alleged financial irregularities and foreign currency violations. “Prima facie evidence exists that HIAL has been issuing degrees despite not being recognised as a university, thereby jeopardising students’ futures. The institute has also failed to disclose foreign funds in its balance sheets,” the DIPR statement noted.
It further addressed the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) cancellation of the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), another institution linked to Wangchuk. The administration said the cancellation was based on “clear evidence of multiple violations,” while pointing out that legal forums were available for appeal against such orders.
The Ladakh administration expressed concern over remarks allegedly made by Wangchuk, claiming he invoked examples from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and even called for an “Arab Spring-type revolution” through his YouTube channel. Authorities said such references could incite unrest among youth.
According to the statement, Wangchuk also suggested self-immolation and urged protestors to wear masks and hoodies under the pretext of COVID-19 as a form of resistance. “Such comments are provocative and irresponsible, especially given the volatile situation,” the administration asserted.
While acknowledging that other leaders made efforts to pacify protestors during recent demonstrations, the administration alleged that Wangchuk failed to play a constructive role. It said that despite the government announcing the next round of talks on September 20 and offering flexibility on dates, Wangchuk continued his hunger strike. The statement termed the act “irresponsible and aimed at personal and political gain.”
The administration further alleged that Wangchuk left the protest venue discreetly when tensions escalated, distancing himself from the situation rather than helping to restore calm.
The administration reiterated that the grounds for Wangchuk’s detention under the National Security Act had been duly served and were supported by documented evidence. It urged all stakeholders, including political and civil society groups, to remain calm and let the law take its course.
“We are confident that together we will bring back normalcy in the peace-loving Leh township and continue with our dialogue process,” the statement concluded.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of continuing restrictions in Leh following the September 24 protests that turned violent, leaving four people dead and more than 150 injured. Over 60 people were taken into custody, including Sonam Wangchuk, whose detention has drawn sharp criticism from civil liberties groups and opposition parties. (CNS)
