Thu Sep 25 16:28:40 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a news article rewrite:

**Summary:**

The Indian government, through the Union Home Ministry, has cancelled the FCRA registration of SECMOL, an organization founded by Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The cancellation is based on alleged violations of FCRA rules, including improper handling of funds from the sale of a bus, depositing local funds into the FCRA account, accepting foreign funds for activities related to “national sovereignty”, and improper refunds. Separately, the CBI is investigating another organization founded by Mr. Wangchuk, HIAL, for suspected FCRA violations. This action comes a day after violent protests in Leh, which the Ministry blamed on “provocative statements” by Mr. Wangchuk. Mr. Wangchuk denies any wrongdoing and states he is no longer involved in the day to day management of the school.

**News Article:**

**Indian Government Cancels FCRA Registration of Sonam Wangchuk-Linked Organization Amidst Ladakh Unrest**

**NEW DELHI, September 25, 2025** – The Union Home Ministry has cancelled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) registration of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an organization founded by prominent Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The move follows an inquiry into alleged violations of FCRA regulations.

The ministry cited several discrepancies, including the deposit of ₹3.5 lakh from the sale of an old bus into the FCRA account, the acceptance of foreign funds for projects related to “national sovereignty,” and irregularities in handling refunds. The Ministry deemed SECMOL’s explanations unsatisfactory, stating that multiple rules had been breached.

“The Ministry concluded that multiple rules had been breached, including the deposit of ₹3.5 lakh into the FCRA account during 2021-22 as the sale proceeds of an old bus bought in 2015 using FCRA funds. The Ministry, however, found the explanation ‘not tenable’ as the amount was received from Mr. Wangchuk and classified by the organisation as ‘foreign donation’,” read a statement released by the Ministry.

Separately, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting an inquiry into the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL), another organization established by Mr. Wangchuk, regarding similar FCRA violations. HIAL does not have FCRA clearance to receive foreign contributions.

The timing of the announcement is noteworthy, coming just a day after violent protests in Leh, Ladakh, over demands for statehood and tribal status. The Ministry has accused Mr. Wangchuk of inciting the violence, a charge the activist denies.

Mr. Wangchuk, while acknowledging founding SECMOL, stated he is no longer involved in its day-to-day management. He refuted the allegations related to the bus sale proceeds, stating, “I am being punished for not taking loan from a school which teaches poor children.”

The CBI recently visited both SECMOL and HIAL, seeking details of foreign funding received between 2020 and 2024. The cancellation of SECMOL’s FCRA registration raises concerns about the government’s stance on foreign funding for NGOs and the potential chilling effect on civil society organizations operating in sensitive regions. The investigation remains ongoing.

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