Archive · 23 Aug 2025
Ladakh Cancels Land Allotment, Wangchuk Calls It a 'Witch-hunt'
The government in Ladakh took back some land given to a school called HIAL.
The school's founder, Sonam Wangchuk, thinks this is unfair and is related to their push for Ladakh to become a state.
The government says the land wasn't used correctly and there was no formal agreement.
The school argues they are using the land and have students.
The school and supporters see this as an attempt to silence those asking for more rights for Ladakh.
Ladakh administration canceled land allotment to the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL).
Sonam Wangchuk and HIAL CEO Gitanjali Angmo called the decision a 'witch-hunt'.
The cancellation is due to the land not being used for its allotted purpose and no lease agreement being in place.
HIAL stated over 400 students have completed courses, and they have signed MOUs with global universities.
LAB and KDA criticized the decision, seeing it as an attempt to suppress demands for statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion.
- Who
- Ladakh administration, Sonam Wangchuk, HIAL, Leh Apex Body (LAB)
- What
- Cancellation of land allotment to HIAL.
- When
- August 2024
- Where
- Ladakh, India
- Why
- According to the administration, the land wasn't used for its intended purpose and no lease agreement was executed.
HIAL/Wangchuk Perspective
Ladakh Administration's Perspective
Motivation of Cancellation
HIAL/Wangchuk Perspective
The cancellation is a retaliatory move to silence demands for statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule. The cancellation is also due to the school's demands of the government, and that it is an attempt to sabotage the institute for political reasons.
Ladakh Administration's Perspective
The government's decision is based on legal grounds as HIAL did not fulfill the necessary requirements for the land allotment.
- Land Allotment Area
- Over 53.8 hectares
- Land Purpose
- HIAL
- HIAL Established
- 2017-2018
- Lease Duration
- 40 years
- Action
- Cancellation of land allotment
- Legal Action
- HIAL to move to court