The Union government has canceled the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), an institute founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, citing repeated violations of the law.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the institute had permission to receive foreign donations for educational and cultural projects. However, a show cause notice was first issued on August 20, 2025, followed by a reminder on September 10, asking why its license should not be revoked. The institute submitted its reply on September 19, but the ministry decided to cancel the registration.

Govt blames Wangchuk for violence

On September 24 (Wednesday), the MHA accused Wangchuk of “inciting violence” during the Ladakh protests through “provocative” speeches. The ministry said the demands raised during his hunger strike were already being discussed with the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, and claimed that meetings of the high-powered committee had “yielded phenomenal results.”

The ministry further alleged that “politically motivated individuals were not happy with the progress made.” Criticising Wangchuk, it said he continued his strike and misled people “through provocative mentions of Arab Spring-style protests and references to Gen Z protests in Nepal.”

Protests turn violent in Leh

The unrest in Leh took a tragic turn on September 24 (Thursday) when the protests turned violent. At least four people were killed and over 70 others injured as demonstrators clashed with police.

The protest began as a 15-day hunger strike on September 15, but soon grew into a shutdown on Wednesday and Thursday. Protesters blocked key roads, clashed with police, pelted stones, and even set the BJP headquarters on fire.

Wangchuk later called off his fast and appealed to protesters to stop the violence.

Curfew in Leh

In response, the local administration imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. The order bans gatherings of five or more people, and no rally, procession, or march can be held without prior written permission.