The women's wing of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), one of the largest religious organisations in the region with a strong grassroots presence, has strongly criticised the Union territory's decision to permit liquor sales. It argues that the move could aggravate social problems and has warned of demonstrations if the policy is not reconsidered.
Call to strengthen anti-drug efforts
The LBA women's wing called for intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking by targeting supply chains, rather than expanding legal access to alcohol. The new excise policy, approved on May 31 by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, aims to curb the "growing dependence on narcotics and drugs" and offer residents a wider choice of low-alcohol beverages in the Ladakh region.
Details of the new excise policy
Previously, only beer, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages were permitted for retail sale through vends, except in Leh where there was no partial prohibition. Under the new policy, twenty liquor vends will be opened, up from only two currently in Leh. Consumption of liquor is now also allowed within hotels, and guest houses and homestays can obtain licences to sell alcohol for the first time.
The LBA women's wing highlighted that Ladakh has limited entry and exit points—primarily Leh airport, the Manali-Leh highway, and the Srinagar-Leh highway. "Enhanced surveillance could significantly curb the inflow of narcotics and illicit substances into the region," the wing stated.
Criticism of the policy rationale
The women's wing argued that the reasoning that increased alcohol availability could serve as a substitute for drugs is illogical. "One social problem cannot be solved by introducing another," it said. The wing warned that increased alcohol availability would have severe long-term social and economic consequences for Ladakh, particularly for its youth. It cited potential rises in domestic violence, road accidents, pressure on law enforcement, adverse effects on children's psychological well-being, crime rates, and escalating rehabilitation and healthcare costs for the government.
Women at the forefront of social preservation
According to the LBA women's wing, women have been instrumental in preserving Ladakh's social fabric. They have kept the dowry system from taking root, led campaigns against plastic bags, and raised awareness against drugs and alcohol. The wing warned that if concerns over liquor sales are ignored, women would launch peaceful protests, including rallies and voluntary market shutdowns, to thwart a policy detrimental to the region's social and cultural well-being.
Government's response
A government statement on the new policy said its approval followed meetings with civil society organisations, NGOs, religious organisations, medical experts, public representatives, and officials in recent months. The policy aims to provide a regulated alternative to illicit substances while expanding consumer choice.
