Ladakh Women Protest Liquor Licences, Administration Opens Consultations on Dry-UT Demand

On October 27, 2026, the Lieutenant Governor administration met with women representatives of Ladakh’s Buddhist, Muslim and Christian communities after a six-day sit-in in Leh. The protesters demanded that Ladakh be declared a completely dry Union Territory, citing public-health concerns and cultural values.

Deccan Chronicle

On May 31, the administration announced an excise policy that would increase retail liquor outlets from two to twenty and extend sales to remote areas such as Nubra, Changthang, Sham and Zanskar. The policy also allowed alcohol consumption in hotel rooms, cut licensing paperwork from sixteen to six documents, and removed the need for district-level approval. Tourism is Ladakh’s primary economic driver, and the liberalisation was presented as a way to support the sector.

The Hindu

• Retail liquor outlets: two existed until last year; under the 2026-27 policy only one was functional this year.

The Hindu

• Bars attached to restaurants: 23 were operating before the change; 17 additional licences were issued, bringing the total to 40.

The Hindu

• Licensing documents: reduced from 16 to 6 required forms.

The Hindu

These figures were conveyed by officials during the October meeting.

Deccan Chronicle

Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said any move toward total prohibition must weigh cultural, employment and tourism impacts. In response to public sentiment, the Excise Policy 2026-27 was rolled back and the earlier Excise Policy 2025-26 reinstated.

The Hindu

Women protesters, representing groups such as the Ladakh Buddhist Association and Anjuman Imamia, argued that the rapid expansion of liquor licences threatens Ladakh’s cultural fabric, public health and social harmony. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk condemned the administration’s approach, describing the policies as “whimsical” and noting clashes between protesters and police.

Deccan Chronicle

• “The demand for declaring Ladakh a completely dry UT is a significant matter that requires careful deliberation and consultation with all concerned stakeholders, for which all agreed,” — Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra.

The Hindu

• “The administration was flexible in its approach to public policy and would be amenable to a middle-ground solution in the matter. If required, another meeting with a larger set of stakeholders would be convened soon,” — Ashish Kundra.

The Hindu

The chief secretary suggested that the Ladakh Buddhist Association convene a wider consultation to explore a “middle-ground” solution. He indicated that a larger stakeholder meeting could be scheduled soon to ensure all viewpoints are represented before any final decision on prohibition is taken.

Deccan Chronicle