Sonam Wangchuk claims Ladakh administration is conducting a witch-hunt against HIAL
Educationist Sonam Wangchuk alleged the Ladakh administration is attempting to silence dissent by issuing a notice to his institute's school.
Educationist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday accused the Ladakh administration of a witch-hunt against individuals and institutions that challenge its decisions. Speaking in Leh, Wangchuk claimed the recent notice issued to the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL) regarding its Desert Flower School at Phyang is an attempt to silence dissent in the region.
According to reports from Business Standard, the Office of the Tehsildar, Leh, issued a notice on November 1 to HIAL co-founder and CEO Gitanjali J Angmo. The notice directs the school to halt activities related to the Desert Flower School while a matter remains pending before the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The administration's notice states that the school is commencing activities without necessary approvals or clearances. The Ladakh administration has also argued in court that the lease for 1,076 kanals of land lapsed in May this year because conditions were not met within the first year of allotment.
Wangchuk alleged the administration's actions are linked to his criticism of government policies regarding tourism, land, environment, and liquor. He specifically raised concerns about the use of public money for rock dams along the Indus river, which he said caused environmental damage.
Angmo rejected the grounds of the notice, stating the institute had repeatedly sought to execute the lease but was delayed because the administration had not finalised its lease policy. She also noted that the school was being asked for a non-political Managing Committee certificate that is not required under existing education policy.
The administration has also accused Wangchuk of occupying public land without payment and spreading provocative propaganda. HIAL maintains that the high court order does not direct the institute to stop its activities.