SRINAGAR: Ladakh Union territory (UT) authorities have directed Himalayan Institute of Alternatives (HIAL), founded by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, to refrain from starting classes and other activities at a school within the complex in Leh till a land dispute pending in the high court is decided.A notice pertaining to Desert Flower School was issued to Gitanjali J. Angmo, Wangchuk’s wife who is listed as HIAL’s official founder and CEO. The notice says moves to start classes at the school could “prejudice” proceedings pending in the HC.“The notice takes serious note of the reported commencement of school activities without obtaining requisite consent, clearances and approvals from the concerned authorities,” a govt spokesperson said in a statement.The school was preparing to begin its new academic session, for which it had sought an NOC that has not been granted so far, sources said. Gitanjali dismissed the notice as “baseless”, claimed a reply had been sent and blamed the authorities for the delay in the NOC.
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According to the govt spokesperson, the notice issued by the Leh tehsildar advises HIAL to maintain “strict status quo” and “not undertake any action whatsoever towards functioning or commencement of activities at the school” until the final HC decision.Ladakh authorities had cancelled HIAL’s land allotment in Aug 2025, following which it moved the HC. In an affidavit last month, the authorities accused HIAL of occupying the land without paying dues. The affidavit also accused Wangchuk of inciting violence in Leh in Sept last year in which four people were killed and scores injured in alleged police firing on protesters demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh.Wangchuk is also a member of Leh Apex Body (LAB), one of the organisations spearheading the demands and holding talks with the Centre on autonomy.