Ladakh Statehood Protest: Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO in Trouble? CBI Probes Alleged FCRA Violations

Cbi has initiated an inquiry in the alleged FCRA violation by Sonam Wangchuk's NGO Himalayan Institute of Advance Learning (HIAL), officials said. The federal probe agency has not filed an FIR but only initiated an inquiry. This preliminary enquiry was initiated two months ago. If CBI finds evidence during inquiry, then it can find a formal case, otherwise the probe can be closed.In August, the Ladakh administration had cancelled the land allotment of HIALWhile cancelling the Ladakh administration had claimed land was not used for the purpose for which it was allotted and "no lease agreement has been executed." sources saidOn Wednesday, Leh witnessed violent protests after police fired on protestors who were demanding statehood and extension

of Sixth Schedule protections to Ladakh. Four people died and 50 have been injured.After the violence and police firing MHA issued a statement blaming activist Sonam Wangchuk. "It is clear that the mob was incited by Shri Sonam Wangchuk through his provocative statements. Incidentally, amidst these violent developments, he broke his fast and left for his village in an ambulance without making serious efforts to control the situation"."On 24th September, at around 11.30 am, a mob instigated by his provocative speeches left the venue of the hunger strike and attacked a political party office as well as Government office of the CEC Leh. They also put these offices on fire, attacked the security personnel, and torched police vehicle. The unruly mob attacked the police personnel in which more than 30 police/CRPF personnel were injured. The mob continued to destroy the public property and attack the police personnel. In self-defence, police had to resort to firing in which unfortunately some casualties are reported," MHA said "The Government stands committed to the aspiration of people of Ladakh by providing adequate constitutional safeguards," MHA added. "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," MHA said.