Wangchuk welcomes suspension of Ladakh women’s protest after govt assurance

Leh/Jammu: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said women’s organisations in Ladakh had suspended their protest against the Union Territory administration’s liquor policy after the government agreed to all their demands and sought a week’s time to formalise the agreement.

Women-led protests began last week against a newly introduced liquor policy, with the organisations demanding a complete rollback of the policy and that Ladakh be declared a dry Union Territory.

“Ladakh women leaders suspend their protest against liquor. After the UT administration agreed to all demands and sought a week to finalise the agreement. Let’s hope that their trust and faith in the system will be respected,” Wangchuk said in a post on X on Thursday.

The four organisations on Thursday suspended their dharna, which had been planned from October 29 to November 5, following a written assurance from the UT administration.

The assurance was conveyed through a letter issued by the Home Department on October 29 and signed by Special Secretary Tashi Dolma. The letter accepted in principle all the points and recommendations submitted by the organisations on the liquor policy.

The Ladakh Buddhist Association Women Wing, Anjuman-e-Imamia Women Wing, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam Women Wing and Christian Community Women Wing had objected to the liquor policy.

In a press release, the organisations said the UT administration had sought a week’s time to finalise the agreement in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation.

Respecting the request, the women’s organisations agreed to temporarily suspend their dharna, giving the administration an opportunity to fulfil its commitment and formalise the agreed points in writing, the release said.

The organisations said the suspension of the protest should be seen as an expression of their faith in the administration’s assurance and thanked the people of Ladakh for their overwhelming support.

The protest was launched against the expansion of liquor availability, including the issuance of recent bar licences and wine shop licences. The organisations have been demanding measures to safeguard the future of youth, protect the social fabric and preserve Ladakh’s cultural and spiritual values.

The organisations reiterated their long-term commitment to a healthier and alcohol-addiction-free Ladakh.