Srinagar: Ladakh Women’s Group Challenges Liquor Sales Approval
The women’s branch of the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) is pushing back against the Union Territory’s recent decision to permit liquor sales. They argue this move could worsen social issues in the area and have threatened protests if the decision is not revisited.
The LBA women stated that instead of allowing more alcohol access, efforts should focus on combating drug trafficking. The new excise policy, enacted on May 31 by Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, aims to reduce addiction to narcotics while offering residents more low-alcohol options.
Previously, only beer, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages were available through limited retail outlets, with Leh being an exception to these restrictions. Now, the number of liquor stores is set to increase from two to twenty.
The women’s wing pointed out that Ladakh has only a few main entry points, such as the Leh airport and key highways, suggesting that improving surveillance could help mitigate the influx of illegal drugs. They criticized the rationale that making alcohol more available could help reduce drug dependency, calling it an illogical solution to a complex issue.
The LBA warned that increased access to alcohol could lead to serious social and economic problems, particularly affecting the youth. They noted potential rises in domestic violence, road accidents, and demands on law enforcement, as well as troubling effects on children’s mental health and increases in healthcare costs for the government.
Historically, women in Ladakh have played a crucial role in safeguarding the region’s social values, fighting against practices like dowry and advocating for awareness around drugs and alcohol. Should their concerns be dismissed, they plan to initiate peaceful protests, including rallies and voluntary market closures, to oppose what they see as a harmful policy.
The government’s statement on this new policy mentioned that it was developed after consultations with various groups, including NGOs, religious organizations, and health experts. Under this policy, liquor sales will also be allowed at hotels, and guesthouses can now apply for licenses to sell alcohol for the first time.
