Sonam Wangchuk Disputes Government Allegations Following Violent Ladakh Protests and FCRA Cancellation

NDTV's Padmaja Joshi engages in a discussion with activist Sonam Wangchuk regarding the ongoing Ladakh situation

New Delhi:

Tensions have escalated between Ladakh statehood activist Sonam Wangchuk and the central government following violent protests in the mountainous region that resulted in four fatalities and over 50 injuries.

In his Thursday interview with NDTV's Padmaja Joshi, Mr. Wangchuk countered the government's allegations that he incited violence and abandoned the protest site without controlling the crowd. He emphasized that he made peace appeals in both Ladakhi and Hindi languages when gunfire erupted nearby.

"I'm puzzled by this blame game following such a tragic incident. I clearly appealed for peace in both Ladakhi and Hindi while gunshots were happening close to me. You can hear the gunfire in my speech where I emphasize our movement has always been peaceful and that violence undermines our cause," he stated.

"As I was speaking, explosions continued around us. After making these appeals, I had no choice but to leave. Shortly after my departure, security forces reportedly attacked people brutally," he claimed.

Earlier today, the Ministry of Home Affairs canceled the registration of Mr. Wangchuk's non-profit organization 'Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh' (SECMOL), revoking its permission to receive foreign funding for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) 2010.

Addressing allegations about FCRA violations or receiving foreign funds in personal accounts, Wangchuk firmly denied any impropriety.

"Far from taking money, I personally contribute one crore annually to encourage others to contribute nine crores in matching donations. Regarding foreign funds, we demonstrated during investigations that we don't accept foreign contributions," Wangchuk explained.

"Our expertise in passive solar heating and artificial glacier technology is recognized globally. The United Nations has paid professional fees for our services to share these technologies with Afghanistan. Swiss and Italian organizations have also contracted our services. These are legitimate business transactions with taxes properly paid, not foreign contributions as mistakenly characterized. I view this as their misunderstanding and don't take offense, but these were business services, not foreign contributions," he clarified to NDTV.

The government has stated that the demands behind Mr. Wangchuk's hunger strike are already being addressed in high-powered committee discussions. Officials claim that despite numerous leaders urging him to end his hunger strike, the activist persisted and misled people through provocative references to Arab Spring-style protests and comparisons to Gen Z demonstrations in Nepal.

Responding to the possibility of arrest, the 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient stated: "I'm prepared to be arrested at any time for this cause."

He added what appeared to be a cautionary message: "I'm mentally prepared for arrest and actually anticipate it. However, I must warn that Sonam Wangchuk imprisoned might create even greater challenges than Sonam Wangchuk participating in dialogues and discussions, as my imprisonment would further awaken people to the current state of governance in this country."

He listed his contributions to justify his activism.

"If someone who has dedicated their life to education, supported national defense, collaborated with Indian defense forces on solar-heated shelters, and organized movements against Chinese products is imprisoned while corrupt individuals roam freely, it will provide the nation with a clear picture of what's happening in our country," Mr. Wangchuk concluded in his NDTV interview.