Leh, August 25, 2025: A major controversy erupted in Ladakh after the Union Territory administration cancelled the land lease of Sonam Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), reigniting tensions over statehood demands.
Wangchuk condemned the move, calling it an “attack on Ladakh”. He said, “This is not just an attack on Sonam Wangchuk but on the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance.
"HIAL has educated over 400 students, held convocations, and operated as an alternative university. We will challenge this legally.”
The Lt. Governor’s office countered the allegations, stating the cancellation was purely procedural.
“HIAL had neither executed the lease formally nor commenced the university project since its 2018 allotment. The reversion of land is administrative, not political.”
Chief Secretary Pawan Kotwal and DC Leh backed the LG’s stance, highlighting that the lease deed was never finalized, the land handover was incomplete, and the institute had not established a recognized university, justifying the revocation.
Local political groups, including the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), slammed the administration, calling it “a politically motivated suppression of Ladakh’s statehood movement.”
Both groups warned of mass protests if dialogue is not initiated.
Wangchuk and HIAL co-founder Gitanjali Angmo insisted that the institute is fully functional, running programs and fellowships as envisaged, and that the administration’s claims of non-use are baseless.
This dispute highlights the growing tension between Ladakh’s local leadership and the UT administration, coming amid ongoing demands for statehood, Sixth Schedule inclusion, and local governance reforms.
Wangchuk has indicated he will approach the court to contest the cancellation, but does he legal backing to prove his claims.
#Ladakh #LandDispute #WangchukVsLG #StatehoodMovement
