Ladakh CS Holds Talks With Religious Organisations on Women’s Demands

Kashmir, Observer, Jammu, Srinagar, Latest Kashmir News, Kashmir News, Kashmir Latest News

Leh- Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra on Tuesday held a meeting with representatives of various religious organisations, including the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA), to discuss demands for a complete ban on liquor in the Union Territory.

The meeting was attended by Excise Commissioner Romil Singh Donk, representatives of the All Ladakh Gompa Association (ALGA), the Ladakh Buddhist Association, Anjuman Imamia Leh, and representatives of ALGAHA and ALTOA, among others.

During the meeting, women representatives of religious organisations expressed concern over the number of liquor licences issued in Ladakh and demanded complete prohibition, citing the social and cultural implications of alcohol consumption.

The meeting was informed that the Excise Policy 2026–27 had been rolled back following public concerns, and the Excise Policy 2025–26 was currently in force.

Officials informed the participants that the number of retail liquor outlets, which stood at two until last year, had been reduced to one functioning outlet this year. However, the number of functional bars attached to restaurants offering retail liquor sales had increased from 23 to 40 following the issuance of 17 additional licences.

Acknowledging the concerns raised by the women representatives, Kundra said the demand to declare Ladakh a completely dry Union Territory was a significant issue requiring careful deliberation and consultations with all stakeholders.

Citing the experiences of states such as Bihar and Haryana, he cautioned that prohibition could have unintended consequences, including the proliferation of spurious liquor and drugs. He stressed that the issue also involved cultural, social and economic considerations that needed to be assessed before taking a decision.

The Chief Secretary also highlighted the potential implications for employment, tourism and economic activity, noting that tourism remained the primary economic driver of Ladakh. He said consultations with hotel associations, tour operators and other industry stakeholders were essential before arriving at a policy decision.

Kundra called for a broad-based consultative process involving religious organisations, hotel associations, tour and travel operators, and other concerned groups to explore a balanced way forward.

He suggested that the LBA president convene a wider consultation to build consensus and explore a middle-ground solution acceptable to the different stakeholders.

The Chief Secretary reiterated that the administration remained open to considering alternative approaches and assured the representatives that public policy could be reviewed through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.

He said another meeting involving a wider group of stakeholders could be convened soon, if required, to facilitate further discussions on the issue.

The meeting provided a platform for women representatives to present their concerns and underscored the need for continued engagement before any decision is taken on the demand for complete liquor prohibition in Ladakh.

The post Ladakh CS Holds Talks With Religious Organisations on Women’s Demands appeared first on Kashmir Observer.