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CBI eyes Sonam Wangchuk; Tensions rise over Ladakh violence and Pakistan links
New Delhi/Ladakh, September 25, 2025: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has set its sights on renowned environmental activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk following the recent violent protests in Ladakh. An inquiry has been initiated under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) against the non-governmental organisation headed by her, the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Landscapes and Human Settlements (HAIL), which has raised eyebrows among security agencies due to its alleged links with Pakistan. This is adding to the storm swirling around environmental and political issues in Ladakh, which has further deepened tensions between the central government and local activists.
In the backdrop of the recent developments in Ladakh, last month (August 2025) saw large-scale protests in Ladakh for environmental protection and indigenous rights. Activists led by Sonam Wangchuk staged a protest against a proposed hydroelectric project on the Chenab River, which led to violent police-activist clashes. Several activists were injured in the protest, while some were booked. Wangchuk's protest, linked to his famous project 'Ice Architect', has gained international recognition. However, now there is suspicion that foreign funding and political interference are at the root of the protest.
The CBI has started an investigation into the HAIL organization under the FCRA Act, which has revealed that the organization is receiving funds worth hundreds of crores of rupees from foreign donations. As per the FCRA Act, non-governmental organizations require the approval of the central government to receive foreign funds. However, it has been revealed that HAIL has failed to investigate donations received from Pakistan, China and European countries in the last three years. The Indian intelligence agencies are particularly alerted due to its connections related to Pakistan. According to sources, HAIL has collaborated with some 'environmental' organizations in Pakistan, and the funds received from them are suspected to be used for the Ladakh agitation. This connection is likely to contribute to the instability in the border area.
Talking about Sonam Wangchuk, his contribution in the field of environment is undeniable. Through the Ice Architect project, he promoted traditional architecture in Ladakh, for which he received the Padma Shri award in 2018. However, since last year, he has become active in demanding autonomy for Ladakh, which has soured his relations with the central government. During the agitation, Wangchuk had said, "The environment and culture of Ladakh are under threat. We are only fighting for rights." But now the CBI investigation is alleging that these statements are part of a political conspiracy.
The case has created confusion among the local residents of Ladakh. Some activists are on Wangchuk's side, saying that the investigation is the result of political vendetta. "Sonam sir is our hero. His work for the environment is remarkable. This investigation is only to suppress the agitation," said a local activist. On the other hand, supporters of the central government say that it is necessary to prevent foreign interference in the border area. The agencies led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval have started a detailed investigation into the matter, which is likely to involve other agencies as well.
The probe is likely to have a major impact on the political climate in Ladakh. This could become a political issue ahead of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Council (LAHDC) elections. The Congress and the BJP have been locked in a war of words over the issue, with the opposition accusing the central government of 'targeting activists'. According to experts, such checks under the FCRA Act are part of a growing trend, which is raising questions about the autonomy of non-governmental organisations.
Currently, the CBI has raided the HAIL office and seized documents. Although Wangchuk has not been summoned yet, he is likely to appear for questioning soon. Political analysts say the future of Ladakh and national politics depends on how this case turns out. They are also of the opinion that this is a warning sign for environmental activists.
New Delhi/Ladakh, September 25, 2025: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has set its sights on renowned environmental activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk following the recent violent protests in Ladakh. An inquiry has been initiated under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) against the non-governmental organisation headed by her, the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Landscapes and Human Settlements (HAIL), which has raised eyebrows among security agencies due to its alleged links with Pakistan. This is adding to the storm swirling around environmental and political issues in Ladakh, which has further deepened tensions between the central government and local activists.
In the backdrop of the recent developments in Ladakh, last month (August 2025) saw large-scale protests in Ladakh for environmental protection and indigenous rights. Activists led by Sonam Wangchuk staged a protest against a proposed hydroelectric project on the Chenab River, which led to violent police-activist clashes. Several activists were injured in the protest, while some were booked. Wangchuk's protest, linked to his famous project 'Ice Architect', has gained international recognition. However, now there is suspicion that foreign funding and political interference are at the root of the protest.
The CBI has started an investigation into the HAIL organization under the FCRA Act, which has revealed that the organization is receiving funds worth hundreds of crores of rupees from foreign donations. As per the FCRA Act, non-governmental organizations require the approval of the central government to receive foreign funds. However, it has been revealed that HAIL has failed to investigate donations received from Pakistan, China and European countries in the last three years. The Indian intelligence agencies are particularly alerted due to its connections related to Pakistan. According to sources, HAIL has collaborated with some 'environmental' organizations in Pakistan, and the funds received from them are suspected to be used for the Ladakh agitation. This connection is likely to contribute to the instability in the border area.
Talking about Sonam Wangchuk, his contribution in the field of environment is undeniable. Through the Ice Architect project, he promoted traditional architecture in Ladakh, for which he received the Padma Shri award in 2018. However, since last year, he has become active in demanding autonomy for Ladakh, which has soured his relations with the central government. During the agitation, Wangchuk had said, "The environment and culture of Ladakh are under threat. We are only fighting for rights." But now the CBI investigation is alleging that these statements are part of a political conspiracy.
The case has created confusion among the local residents of Ladakh. Some activists are on Wangchuk's side, saying that the investigation is the result of political vendetta. "Sonam sir is our hero. His work for the environment is remarkable. This investigation is only to suppress the agitation," said a local activist. On the other hand, supporters of the central government say that it is necessary to prevent foreign interference in the border area. The agencies led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval have started a detailed investigation into the matter, which is likely to involve other agencies as well.
The probe is likely to have a major impact on the political climate in Ladakh. This could become a political issue ahead of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Council (LAHDC) elections. The Congress and the BJP have been locked in a war of words over the issue, with the opposition accusing the central government of 'targeting activists'. According to experts, such checks under the FCRA Act are part of a growing trend, which is raising questions about the autonomy of non-governmental organisations.
Currently, the CBI has raided the HAIL office and seized documents. Although Wangchuk has not been summoned yet, he is likely to appear for questioning soon. Political analysts say the future of Ladakh and national politics depends on how this case turns out. They are also of the opinion that this is a warning sign for environmental activists.
In the backdrop of the recent developments in Ladakh, last month (August 2025) saw large-scale protests in Ladakh for environmental protection and indigenous rights. Activists led by Sonam Wangchuk staged a protest against a proposed hydroelectric project on the Chenab River, which led to violent police-activist clashes. Several activists were injured in the protest, while some were booked. Wangchuk's protest, linked to his famous project 'Ice Architect', has gained international recognition. However, now there is suspicion that foreign funding and political interference are at the root of the protest.
The CBI has started an investigation into the HAIL organization under the FCRA Act, which has revealed that the organization is receiving funds worth hundreds of crores of rupees from foreign donations. As per the FCRA Act, non-governmental organizations require the approval of the central government to receive foreign funds. However, it has been revealed that HAIL has failed to investigate donations received from Pakistan, China and European countries in the last three years. The Indian intelligence agencies are particularly alerted due to its connections related to Pakistan. According to sources, HAIL has collaborated with some 'environmental' organizations in Pakistan, and the funds received from them are suspected to be used for the Ladakh agitation. This connection is likely to contribute to the instability in the border area.
Talking about Sonam Wangchuk, his contribution in the field of environment is undeniable. Through the Ice Architect project, he promoted traditional architecture in Ladakh, for which he received the Padma Shri award in 2018. However, since last year, he has become active in demanding autonomy for Ladakh, which has soured his relations with the central government. During the agitation, Wangchuk had said, "The environment and culture of Ladakh are under threat. We are only fighting for rights." But now the CBI investigation is alleging that these statements are part of a political conspiracy.
The case has created confusion among the local residents of Ladakh. Some activists are on Wangchuk's side, saying that the investigation is the result of political vendetta. "Sonam sir is our hero. His work for the environment is remarkable. This investigation is only to suppress the agitation," said a local activist. On the other hand, supporters of the central government say that it is necessary to prevent foreign interference in the border area. The agencies led by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval have started a detailed investigation into the matter, which is likely to involve other agencies as well.
The probe is likely to have a major impact on the political climate in Ladakh. This could become a political issue ahead of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Council (LAHDC) elections. The Congress and the BJP have been locked in a war of words over the issue, with the opposition accusing the central government of 'targeting activists'. According to experts, such checks under the FCRA Act are part of a growing trend, which is raising questions about the autonomy of non-governmental organisations.
Currently, the CBI has raided the HAIL office and seized documents. Although Wangchuk has not been summoned yet, he is likely to appear for questioning soon. Political analysts say the future of Ladakh and national politics depends on how this case turns out. They are also of the opinion that this is a warning sign for environmental activists.
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