Ladakh’s Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra has urged for extensive consultations to forge a consensus on the contentious demand for a dry Union Territory, emphasizing the need to balance public sentiment with the region’s cultural and economic imperatives. The administration has signaled its flexibility in policy-making and its openness to a compromise solution that addresses the growing public outcry over the proliferation of liquor establishments.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Kundra made these remarks during a significant meeting with women representatives from various religious organizations. The gathering, which also included Excise Commissioner Romil Singh Donk and delegates from prominent bodies such as the All Ladakh Gompa Association, Ladakh Buddhist Association, Anjuman Imamia, All Ladakh Hotel and Guest House Association (ALGAHA), and All Ladakh Tour Operators Association (ALTOA), aimed to discuss the intricacies of the prevailing excise policy. The women representatives voiced their concerns, advocating for a complete prohibition of liquor in the Union Territory, citing profound social and cultural considerations. They specifically expressed apprehension regarding the substantial number of bar licenses that have been issued.
During the meeting, it was clarified that the Excise Policy 2026-27, which had been previously rolled back in response to public sentiment, has been superseded by the Excise Policy 2025-26, which is now in effect. Participants were provided with an update on the current status of liquor licenses under the reinstated policy. The number of retail liquor outlets has seen a reduction, with only one such outlet currently functional, down from two in the preceding year. However, the number of functional bars attached to restaurants that offer retail sale of liquor has increased. Previously numbering 23, this category has seen an addition of 17 newly issued licenses, bringing the total to 40, according to an official spokesperson.
Chief Secretary Kundra acknowledged the gravity of the concerns raised by the women representatives, underscoring the administration’s commitment to giving due weight to the views and sentiments of the people of Ladakh. He characterized the demand for declaring Ladakh a completely dry UT as a matter requiring meticulous deliberation and comprehensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders, a sentiment that was echoed by the attendees. Kundra drew parallels with the experiences of other states, such as Bihar and Haryana, where he noted that complete prohibition had inadvertently led to significant issues, including the proliferation of spurious liquor and drugs.
He further elaborated that the issue is deeply intertwined with the region’s cultural fabric, and the community must carefully consider the potential ramifications of designating Ladakh as a dry territory. The Chief Secretary also highlighted the economic dimensions of the decision, pointing to the potential impact on employment, tourism, and overall economic activity. He stressed the crucial role of consultation with the hotel industry, particularly given that tourism serves as the primary economic driver for the territory. Kundra reiterated that any decision on this matter must be the outcome of a broad-based consultative process, involving religious organizations, hotel associations, tour and travel operators, and other key stakeholders, with a keen eye on the social, cultural, and economic facets of the issue.
As a preliminary step, Kundra suggested that the Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) should spearhead a wider consultation to build consensus on the path forward, with a concerted effort to identify a mutually agreeable middle ground. He reaffirmed the paramount importance of constructive dialogue and mutual understanding in effectively addressing the concerns articulated by the women representatives, ensuring that the perspectives of all affected parties are thoroughly considered. The meeting served as a vital platform for representatives to articulate their views and underscored the ongoing necessity for sustained engagement and dialogue to achieve a balanced and informed resolution of the issue.
The Chief Secretary indicated that should the need arise, another meeting involving a larger spectrum of stakeholders would be convened in the near future to further deliberate on the matter. This approach underscores the administration’s commitment to a participatory governance model, particularly on issues with significant social and economic implications for the Union Territory.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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