Srinagar: The women’s wing of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) has strongly opposed the Union Territory administration’s decision to expand liquor sales in Ladakh, warning that the move could worsen social problems and trigger public protests if not reconsidered.
The organisation, one of Ladakh’s largest religious and social bodies with a significant grassroots presence, argued that efforts to combat substance abuse should focus on curbing drug trafficking rather than increasing access to alcohol.
The criticism follows the approval of a new excise policy by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on May 31. The administration has said the policy aims to address the growing misuse of narcotics and provide residents with access to lower-alcohol-content beverages.
Under the revised policy, the number of licensed liquor outlets will increase from two to 20 across Ladakh. Previously, only beer, wine and ready-to-drink beverages were permitted for retail sale through licensed outlets, with Leh being the only area without partial prohibition. The policy also allows alcohol consumption within hotels and permits guest houses and homestays to obtain liquor licences for the first time.
In a statement, the LBA women’s wing said Ladakh’s limited entry points—including Leh airport, the Manali-Leh highway and the Srinagar-Leh highway—make it feasible to strengthen surveillance and enforcement against the inflow of narcotics and other illicit substances.
The group rejected the argument that wider alcohol availability could reduce drug use, describing the reasoning as flawed. “One social problem cannot be addressed by introducing another,” it said.
According to the organisation, greater access to alcohol could lead to a rise in domestic violence, road accidents, crime, and social distress, while increasing pressure on law enforcement, healthcare systems and rehabilitation services. It also warned of adverse effects on young people and children’s well-being.
The women’s wing highlighted its long-standing role in preserving Ladakh’s social fabric, citing campaigns against dowry practices, plastic pollution, drug abuse and alcohol consumption. It warned that if concerns over the policy are ignored, women across the region may launch peaceful protests, including rallies and voluntary market shutdowns.
The administration, however, has maintained that the policy was formulated after extensive consultations with civil society groups, NGOs, religious organisations, medical experts, elected representatives and government officials over recent months.
