Ladakh Administration Defends Land Cancellation for Sonam Wangchuk's Institute

The Government of Ladakh has defended its decision to cancel a land allotment for the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), an organization founded by activist Sonam Wangchuk. In a 136-page affidavit filed with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the administration argued that a 40-year lease for 1,076 kanals of land at Phyang Thang lapsed on May 5, 2019, because HIAL failed to pay mandatory land premiums or execute a lease deed within one year.

The administration further claimed that HIAL is not a recognized university and has violated the objectives of its allotment. The affidavit alleges a pattern of lawlessness by Wangchuk and his other organization, the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), including the unauthorized occupation of state land in Phey. The government also linked Wangchuk to violent protests in September 2025 that resulted in injuries to security personnel and the burning of political offices.

HIAL CEO Gitanjali Angmo has denied these allegations. The administration is urging the court to dismiss HIAL's writ petition and suggests reallocating the disputed land to national institutions.