MHA cancels foreign funding license of Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO

Srinagar, Sep 25: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Thursday cancelled the foreign funding license of the Students Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), a Non-Governmental Organisation owned by activist Sonam Wangchuk.
The action comes 24 hours after violent protests in the Leh city over statehood and 6th Schedule demand led by Sonam Wangchuk.
According to an MHA order, SECMOL was granted registration under FCRA to accept foreign contributions for cultural and educational programs.
It stated that the ministry had issued a Show Cause Notice (SCN) on August 20 this year through speed post followed by mail on September 9 to show cause as to why the NGO’s FCRA registration should not be cancelled.
In one of the findings, the ministry noted that the association in its reply admitted that the donor organisation has given the donation for study on sovereignty of the country including some other topics and the fund had also been spent in line with the objectives of the foreign donors.
“The foreign contribution cannot be accepted for study on sovereignty of the nation. This act of the association is against the national interest of the country in violation of section 12 (4) (f) (i) of the Act,” it said.
The ministry noted that in view of violations u/s 8(1)(a),17, 18, 19 and conditions of registration under section 12 (4) (f) (i) of the Act, the FCRA registration certificate of the association is liable to be cancelled in exercise of power u/s 14 of the Act.
It stated that considering the facts and position, the Competent Authority, hereby, in exercise of the powers conferred under section 14 (1) of the Act, cancels with immediate effect the FCRA Certificate of Registration No. 152710012R granted to SECMOL.
At least four persons died and over 50 were injured after violent protest broke out in the Leh city on Wednesday. Over 30 police and CRP personnel were also injured during the clash. The Home Ministry, in a statement, blamed Sonam Wangchuk of provoking the mob by his speeches with references of Arab Spring-style protest and Gen Z protests in Nepal. (KNO)