Muslims reject liquor policy in Ladakh, call it assault on religious values
Leh: Strong resentment is growing in Ladakh, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, after the administration approved a new excise policy expanding the sale of hard liquor across the region, including Muslim-majority areas, despite longstanding religious and cultural opposition from local communities.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved a policy allowing the sale of Foreign Liquor and Indian Made Foreign Liquor through 20 new retail vends across districts including Nubra, Changthang, Sham and Zanskar.
The move marks a major departure from previous restrictions.
The policy also permits liquor sales in guest houses, homestays, hotels and private functions, while paving the way for the establishment of micro-breweries.
Critics say the decision has been imposed without regard for the religious beliefs and social values of the local Muslim population, particularly in areas where alcohol consumption remains socially and religiously unacceptable.
Local observers and community members have rejected the policy, describing it as an attempt to alter the social fabric of the region under the pretext of promoting tourism and generating revenue. They argue that extending liquor availability to Muslim-majority areas such as Zanskar and Changthang ignores the sentiments of residents who have consistently opposed the proliferation of alcohol in their communities.
Religious bodies in Ladakh have long warned that access to alcohol could have harmful consequences for young people and undermine community ethics.
Critics further contend that the administration’s claim of having consulted civil society groups does not reflect the views of Muslim-majority districts, where opposition to alcohol remains widespread.
