Sonam Wangchuk's Pakistan visit and his HIAL under CBI lens as Ladakh protests turn violent

Sonam Wangchuk - File Photo

The Central Bureau of Investigation has launched an inquiry into alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act against the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), founded by educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk.

NDTV quoted officials saying the investigation began two months ago and is also reviewing Wangchuk’s visit to Pakistan on February 6 this year.

The move comes after the Ladakh administration in August cancelled a land allotment to HIAL, triggering protests and controversy. Local groups campaigning for statehood and extension of the Sixth Schedule to Ladakh described the decision as an assault on the Union Territory and an attempt to silence voices advocating for regional rights.

Tensions escalated on Wednesday as four people were killed and at least 80 injured, including 40 police personnel, in clashes between security forces and supporters of the Ladakh statehood movement. The violence occurred amid a curfew in the district following the withdrawal of Wangchuk’s fortnight-long hunger strike.

The Leh Apex Body youth wing had called for the protest after two participants in the strike were shifted to a hospital due to deteriorating health. Groups of youths engaged in arson and vandalism, targeting the headquarters of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Hill Council, and setting vehicles on fire. Police and paramilitary forces deployed across the town used teargas to bring the situation under control.

Centre alleges provocation

The Ministry of Home Affairs said the violence was guided by Wangchuk’s “provocative statements” and blamed certain “politically motivated” individuals for undermining ongoing dialogue.

"The demands on which Mr Wangchuk was on hunger strike are integral part of the discussion in HPC. In spite of many leaders urging to call off the hunger strike, he continued with the hunger strike and misleading the people through provocative mention of Arab Spring-style protest and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal," the statement said.

The ministry added that the government has been actively engaging with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance through the High Powered Committee and multiple informal meetings with leaders. "However, certain politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made under HPC and have been trying to sabotage the dialogue process," it said.

Congress leader and councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag has also been charged for allegedly making a provocative speech at the hunger strike venue on Tuesday.

Wangchuk’s visit to Pakistan

The CBI is reportedly reviewing Wangchuk’s February visit to Pakistan, where he participated in the ‘Breathe Pakistan’ conference in Islamabad. Organised by Dawn Media to raise awareness on climate change, the event included a panel discussion titled ‘Glacial Melt: A Sustainable Strategy for the Water Towers of South Asia.’ Wangchuk had confirmed his participation in the event through a Facebook video.

Officials have not elaborated on the specifics of the investigation, but it comes amid rising scrutiny over Wangchuk’s activism and alleged influence over local protests in Ladakh.