Ladakh’s New Excise Policy Triggers Opposition as Liquor Vends Set to Rise from 2 to 20

Leh/Kargil, June 9, KNT: Ladakh’s newly introduced Excise Policy has triggered widespread opposition across the Union Territory, with influential religious and social organizations in both Leh and Kargil voicing strong objections to the administration’s decision to expand the number of liquor vends from two to twenty.

The policy, introduced by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration, permits the sale of hard liquor, including Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and foreign liquor, through retail outlets across Ladakh. The move is being viewed by many local groups as a significant departure from the region’s traditional social and cultural norms.

The emerging controversy has united organizations that seldom find themselves on the same side of a public issue. In Leh, the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) has opposed the liberalized liquor policy, while in Kargil, the Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil (JUIAK) has warned of democratic and peaceful protests if the policy is not withdrawn.

Leaders of JUIAK have announced plans to submit a formal representation to the administration, demanding a complete ban on liquor in the region and urging authorities to reconsider the policy.

The opposition comes as the administration seeks to expand regulated liquor sales and generate additional revenue through excise collections. However, religious and political bodies argue that revenue considerations cannot outweigh concerns relating to public health, youth welfare and the social fabric of Ladakh.

Sources familiar with the policy’s implementation told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that new liquor vends are likely to be opened in parts of Leh district, including tourist and commercial zones, as well as in areas of Zanskar and the Sham region.

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While resistance has surfaced in Leh, sources said the strongest opposition is expected in Kargil, where religious organizations, civil society groups and community leaders have historically opposed the sale and public consumption of alcohol.

Local sources said  that any attempt to open liquor shops in Kargil district could trigger sustained public protests, making implementation of the policy particularly challenging in the region.

With opposition mounting across both Leh and Kargil, the excise policy is emerging as one of the most contentious administrative decisions in Ladakh in recent years, setting the stage for a confrontation between the administration’s revenue objectives and public sentiment on the ground. [KNT]

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