CBI Launches Investigation Into Sonam Wangchuk's Foreign Funding and Ladakh Statehood Protests

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into alleged Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act violations against an institution founded by educationist and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently conducted a hunger strike advocating for statehood and Sixth Schedule extension to Ladakh.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk

Officials report that the probe agency began examining the funding of Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL) approximately two months ago. Investigators are also scrutinizing Mr. Wangchuk's February 6 visit to Pakistan this year.

The Ladakh administration canceled HIAL's land allotment in August, sparking significant controversy. Ladakhi advocacy groups fighting for statehood and constitutional protections denounced this decision as an attack on the Union Territory and an attempt to silence rights activists.

These developments coincide with allegations against Mr. Wangchuk for allegedly inciting violence during protests demanding statehood for Ladakh.

On Wednesday, violence erupted despite a district curfew as clashes between security forces and Ladakh movement supporters resulted in four fatalities and approximately 80 injuries, including 40 police personnel.

The unrest occurred as Mr. Wangchuk concluded his two-week hunger strike over the demands. The Leh Apex Body youth wing organized protests after two of the 15 hunger strikers were hospitalized when their conditions deteriorated Tuesday evening.

Youth groups engaged in arson and vandalism, targeting BJP headquarters and the Hill Council, setting vehicles ablaze. Police and paramilitary forces deployed throughout the town used teargas to control the situation.

The Central government claimed the violence was influenced by "provocative statements" from activist Wangchuk, suggesting that certain "politically motivated" individuals were dissatisfied with progress in ongoing negotiations between government representatives and Ladakhi groups.

"The demands underlying Mr. Wangchuk's hunger strike are integral to the HPC discussions. Despite numerous leaders urging him to end his protest, he persisted while making provocative references to Arab Spring-style protests and Nepal's Gen Z demonstrations," stated the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"The Government of India has been actively engaging with the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance through formal High Powered Committee channels, sub-committee meetings, and informal leadership discussions. However, certain politically motivated individuals, dissatisfied with HPC progress, have attempted to undermine the dialogue process," the statement continued.

Congress leader and councillor Phuntsog Stanzin Tsepag faces charges for allegedly delivering an inflammatory speech at the hunger strike location on Tuesday.