Sonam Wangchuk’s wife told to stop classes in Leh school

Ladakh Union Territory authorities have instructed Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), led by climate advocate Sonam Wangchuk, to cease starting classes and other functions at the Desert Flower School within its Leh campus until a land litigation in the high court is resolved. The directive, issued to Gitanjali J. Angmo, identified as the school’s founder and CEO, warns that attempting to commence classes may "compromise" the pending proceedings.

According to a government spokesperson, the notice underscores the reported initiation of school activities without obtaining necessary permissions, clearances, and approvals from pertinent authorities. The school had been gearing up for its new academic session, for which it had sought an NOC (No Objection Certificate) that has not been granted thus far. Gitanjali countered the notice as "unfounded," claiming a response had been forwarded and blamed the authorities for the delay in the NOC.

The Leh tehsildar's notice instructs HIAL to uphold "strict status quo" and refrain from undertaking any actions toward operating or initiating activities at the school until the final HC decision. In August 2025, Ladakh authorities revoked HIAL's land allocation, leading the institution to appeal to the high court. In a recent affidavit, the authorities accused HIAL of occupying the land without payment.

The affidavit also cited Wangchuk for inciting violence in Leh last September, where four individuals were killed and numerous others injured in alleged police gunfire on protesters advocating for statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.

Wangchuk, a member of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), plays a role in the organizations championing demands for autonomy and engaging in talks with the Center on self-governance.