“Sonam Wangchuk

Sonam Wangchuk Under Scanner Over Alleged Pakistan Link

Escalation: Wangchuk Comes Under Scrutiny Over “Pakistan Link”

Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk is now under active investigation by Ladakh police following allegations of a Pakistan connection,

raised by the Ladakh Director General of Police, S. D. Singh Jamwal. The DGP publicly stated that Wangchuk had previously “attended a Dawn event in Pakistan,” which has become a focal point for critics. The phrasing suggests that authorities are viewing his international engagement particularly with Pakistani media houses as a potential red flag.

While the precise allegations are not yet formally detailed, the investigation reportedly covers funding sources, foreign links, and possible violations of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).

Protests, Violence, and Detention

These developments have to be seen in the wider context of recent unrest in Leh, Ladakh. On September 24, violent protests broke out over demands for statehood and inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Four people died and many more were injured in clashes with security forces.

Two days later, on September 26, Wangchuk was arrested by Ladakh Police and charged under the National Security Act (NSA). He has since been transferred to Jodhpur Central Jail, more than 1,000 km from Ladakh.

Authorities justify the NSA invocation by alleging that his statements invoking parallels with the Arab Spring, Nepal, and Bangladesh were provocative and played a role in inciting unrest. The police claim that certain “so-called environmental activists” had been trying to hijack the platform of dialogue and protests, with Wangchuk named as a leading figure.

FCRA, NGO Funding, and the CBI Review:

In parallel with the security allegations, authorities have also targeted the funding side of Wangchuk’s activities. The Union Home Ministry canceled the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) licence of the NGO Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), which Wangchuk founded, citing alleged violations.

Moreover, investigative agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), are reportedly scrutinizing Wangchuk’s institutions such as the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL) and reviewing his foreign travel records, including his Pakistan trip. The CBI inquiry is said to have begun prior to the recent flare-up, focusing on alleged financial irregularities tied to foreign sources.

The overlapping lines of inquiry security, funding, foreign visits suggest a multipronged approach by the authorities, with both legal and political dimensions.

Pushback, Legitimacy Concerns, and Political Fallout

Unsurprisingly, the government’s moves have triggered sharp criticism from opposition parties, civil society actors, and supporters of Wangchuk. Congress MP Digvijay Singh condemned the imposition of the NSA on someone “who follows Gandhian philosophy.” Others argue that the state is criminalizing dissent and conflating activism with sedition or foreign conspiracy.

Supporters point out that Wangchuk has long been an icon in Ladakh’s educational and environmental spheres known for innovations like the ice stupa and the founding of alternative schooling systems. Their view is that genuine debates on autonomy, identity, and ecological concerns are now being overshadowed by national security narratives.

Analysts warn that the government must tread cautiously. The probe’s legitimacy will depend heavily on transparent processes, due process guarantees, and credible evidence. If the matter is reduced to mere political vendetta or suppression of movement, it could deepen alienation in an already restive region.

In the coming days, key developments to watch include: whether formal charges are filed under sections relating to national security, whether the CBI names accused persons or entities, how courts respond to bail or challenge petitions, and whether the broader statehood and Sixth Schedule negotiations are derailed by these actions.

The “Dawn Event” Claim and Its Significance

Central to the allegations is the claim that Wangchuk participated in a “Dawn event” in Pakistan. “Dawn” is one of Pakistan’s leading English-language newspapers and media houses, and it also organizes public conferences and forums.

The DGP’s statement that “he had attended a Dawn event in Pakistan, so there is a big question mark on him” is being treated by authorities as a symbolic indicator of possible ties. Critics, however, observe that attending public or academic events abroad is a common practice among activists and scholars. Whether this claim will translate into legally actionable allegations remains to be seen.

Some reports also mention that Wangchuk’s February 2025 visit to Pakistan, during which he took part in an event titled “Breathe Pakistan” (focused on climate and glacier melt issues), is being reviewed by investigative agencies. That event was jointly organized by Dawn and related media platforms.

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