The Ladakh administration has drawn strong criticism from founder of Himachal Institute of Learning (HIAL) and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk for cancelling allotment of land given to HIAL by Leh administration, along with other organizations.
Wangchuck has been demanding statehood to Ladakh along with people, and extension of Union Territory of Ladakh in Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, has termed the cancellation of allotment of land as ‘ witch hunt ‘ .
A highly recognized environmentalist and an innovative scientist, Wangchuk observed hunger strike for many days and also undertook a long march from Leh to New Delhi, walking a distance of about 800 kms, to highlight the issue of Global Warming and demands of people of Ladakh.
Leh Deputy Commissioner in his order said , “ The land allotted to HIAL stands escheated to the State, i.e., LAHDC (Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council).”
The order said, “The land in Phyang was given to HIAL on lease for 40 years and it has not been used for the purpose allotted as no university (as recognised by law) has been set up to date and no lease agreement has been executed by HIAL.”
However Wangchuk stated, ““ It is a deliberate attempt to harass us on baseless charges and we will move the court for justice.”
CEO of HIAL Angmo and Wangchuk talking to media persons in Leh said, “, Over 400 students have completed long-term and short-term courses and fellowships over the last five years, this is an alternative university and does not require UGC registration but we applied the same on March 16, 2022, and had also approached the Leh administration for executing the lease deed in August 2019.”
LAB co-chairman Chering Dorjey has termed the move as an attempt to gag the voice of people raising demand for statehood and Sixth Schedule.
( With input from agencies )
