Ladakh Administration Rejects Sonam Wangchuk's Liquor Expansion Claims

The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has rejected allegations from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk that the government is forcibly expanding liquor shops and bars near schools. In a rebuttal issued on October 28, the administration called the claims "false" and "baseless," stating that only one standalone liquor shop is currently operational in the territory. The administration clarified that the Excise Policy 2026-27, which proposed new shops, was rolled back on August 26, 2026, following public feedback.

Wangchuk had previously alleged during an October 22 press conference in New Delhi that the Lieutenant Governor was acting arbitrarily and that hundreds of women were protesting the promotion of alcohol. While the administration maintains that all restaurant and hotel liquor licenses adhere to distance criteria from religious and educational institutions, religious women's organizations—including wings of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Anjuman-e-Imamia, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam, and the Christian Community—had been protesting to make Ladakh a dry territory.

These organizations suspended their protest from October 29 to November 5 after the administration's Home Department provided a written assurance to accept their recommendations in principle. Special Secretary Tashi Dolma requested one week to formalize the agreement. Wangchuk supported the movement, claiming the government rolled back an "infamous liquor policy" due to civil society pressure.