Sonam Wangchuk Alleges 'Witch-Hunt' Over Notice to HIAL's Desert Flower School

Educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday accused the Ladakh administration of pursuing a “witch-hunt” against institutions and individuals questioning its policies, alleging that the action against the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL), was aimed at silencing dissent in the Union Territory.

Wangchuk was reacting to a notice directing HIAL to halt further activities related to the functioning of its Desert Flower School at Phyang, pending a final decision by the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.

Addressing reporters in Leh alongside his wife and HIAL co-founder Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk alleged that the administration was targeting those raising concerns over its decisions on liquor, tourism, land and environmental issues.

He questioned the administration's priorities, contrasting the restrictions allegedly imposed on educational institutions with the relaxation of rules governing liquor establishments. He claimed that the number of no-objection certificates (NOCs) required for liquor-related establishments had been reduced from 16 to six.

Wangchuk also alleged that the notice was intended to create panic among parents and force them to withdraw their children from the school. The administration issued the notice on November 1 through the Office of the Tehsildar, Leh. It follows the cancellation of HIAL's land allotment on August 21, 2025, a decision the institute challenged before the High Court.

Angmo disputed the grounds cited in the notice, including the absence of necessary approvals and the pending land dispute. She said HIAL had repeatedly approached authorities for execution of the lease deed, but the process remained incomplete due to the administration's pending lease policy.

She also questioned the demand for a certificate declaring the school's Managing Committee members non-political, saying no such requirement existed under the applicable education policy.

Angmo said HIAL was willing to facilitate inspections and complete the prescribed formalities. Wangchuk and Angmo said the institute had submitted its formal response to the notice and was awaiting the administration's reply.