Leh, 28 October (H.S.): As climate change activist Sonam Wangchuk raised the issue of protests over Ladakh's excise policy, alleging an increase in liquor outlets in the region, the Union Territory administration rebutted his claims as false propaganda and cautioned him against rumour-mongering.

Wangchuk, in a statement, said that protesting women had continued their sit-in for the sixth day and briefly stopped traffic on National Highway-1, alleging that the Lieutenant Governor's policies were undermining efforts to combat drug abuse.

In an official statement, the UT administration said only one liquor shop was operational in the entire Ladakh, contrary to Wangchuk's claim that liquor outlets were being opened in every locality.

The administration said 50 retail liquor vends attached to restaurants were operational across Ladakh.

The UT Administration of Ladakh has taken serious note of the statements made by Mr Sonam Wangchuk. The Administration categorically rejects such statements of Mr Wangchuk as 'false', 'baseless' and 'totally imaginary'. We caution Sonam Wangchuk to refrain from rumour-mongering, it said.

The administration took serious note of Wangchuk's remarks at a press conference at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi on October 22, in which he alleged that the Lieutenant Governor was promoting liquor outlets despite public opposition.

Wangchuk had also claimed that hundreds of women were protesting against the alleged expansion of liquor shops and bars in the region.

Lieutenant Governor Sahib is acting arbitrarily. Right now, as I am speaking to you, 500 to 1,000 women are staging a sit-in there. Why? They are saying that liquor is being forcibly increased in Ladakh, Wangchuk said.

Following the decision to open liquor shops everywhere in Ladakh, two months ago, the activist said people protested and repeatedly submitted written representations.

Wangchuk said, however, Bars are being forcibly opened in every street, every locality and near every school.

In a subsequent post on X, Wangchuk said protesting women had continued their sit-in for the sixth day and briefly stopped traffic on National Highway-1, alleging that the LG's policies were undermining efforts to combat drug abuse.

Rejecting the allegations, the administration said the new Excise Policy 2026-27 was notified on June 1, 2026, but was rolled back on August 26 after feedback and suggestions from the public and social organisations.

It said the proposal to open wine shops under the new policy was withdrawn and the related auction notice cancelled. The earlier Excise Policy 2025-26 was subsequently restored and remains in force.

According to the old excise policy, only two liquor shops in Leh were permitted in wards 4 and 6. However, after an auction on October 14, a shop became operational only in ward 6, while no bid was received for ward 4, leaving only one liquor shop operational in the UT, the statement said.

Regarding bars and other liquor-serving establishments, the administration said 50 retail liquor vends attached to restaurants were operational across Ladakh, including 38 in Leh, seven in Nubra, three in Zanskar and two in Changthang. Two beer bars were also operational in Leh, it said.

Additionally, nine hotels in Leh held liquor licences, of which four were issued this year, while one hotel in Nubra also obtained a licence during the year.

Licences were issued only to applicants meeting the prescribed norms, including distance criteria concerning highways, religious institutions and educational establishments, it said, and advised Wangchuk to verify information from official sources before making statements.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar