Renowned climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested on Friday, facing allegations of inciting a mob with provocative remarks, two days after protests in Leh demanding Sixth Schedule inclusion for the Union Territory turned violent.
MHA Cancels FCRA License Of Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO
Earlier, the central government revoked the FCRA registration of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s non-profit organization, citing “repeated violations” of foreign funding rules. The cancellation of the licence follows a large-scale shutdown and protest movement in Ladakh, advocating for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections, a campaign partly led by Wangchuk.
Reacting to the CBI probe into his institute for alleged FCRA violation, Activist Sonam Wangchuk said, “In the series of witch hunting, yesterday’s events were the last and all blame was put on Sonam Wangchuk.”
“A day later (after Leh protests), the Home Ministry of India issued a press release naming Sonam Wangchuk in it and blaming him… I had received a notice about a CBI inquiry stating that your organisation received foreign funding even when it did not have an FCRA. We did not get FCRA because we don’t want funds from abroad,” he added.
4 Killed In Union Territory
The Union Territory experienced its worst unrest in recent years on Wednesday, with clashes in Leh leaving four dead and over 80 injured. Protesters set fire to a BJP office, a police vehicle, and multiple private cars.
Apex Body Denies Sonam Wangchuk’s Role In Violence
However, the Apex Body Leh, spearheading the agitation for Ladakh’s statehood, said that their protest remains peaceful and that the violence on September 24 erupted when a section of the youth went out of control.
Speaking at a press conference, the group denied any involvement of activist Sonam Wangchuk in the Leh violence while he continues his hunger strike.
In the statement, a member of the Apex Body Leh said, “Our movement will be peaceful and nonviolent to disseminate this, we started prayers of all the religions. When Sonam Wangchuk started the Hunger Strike, a few people were there. We used to call people from villages. We called for a Leh Bandh on September 24.”
Bureau Report
Leave a Reply