Ladakh: The Union government's recent decisions to liberalise liquor sales in Ladakh and end a decades-old prohibition regime in Lakshadweep have drawn criticism from religious organisations, community groups and political leaders, who have warned of adverse social consequences and demanded a reversal of the measures.
In Ladakh, the Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil (JUIAK), an influential religious organisation in Kargil district, has strongly opposed the Union Territory administration's new excise policy and warned of democratic and peaceful protests if it is not withdrawn.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday, JUIAK General Secretary Sheikh Ibrahim Khalili and Political In-charge Sajjad Kargili said the organisation, along with the public, would be compelled to launch protests if the sale and open consumption of liquor were permitted in Kargil.
The leaders said alcohol has no place in Ladakhi society and argued that the policy could have negative consequences for the younger generation and the broader social fabric of the region. They added that promoting liquor sales runs contrary to the cultural, social and religious values of Ladakh's people.
The organisation announced that it would meet Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and submit a formal representation seeking withdrawal of the policy and the imposition of a complete ban on liquor in the region.
JUIAK also appealed to religious scholars, community leaders and social organisations to raise awareness about the harmful effects of alcohol and substance abuse.
The opposition comes amid growing resistance to the liberalised liquor policy approved by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena on May 30.
Under the new excise policy, the sale of hard liquor, including foreign liquor and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), is now permitted through retail vends in the Union Territory. Previously, only beer, wine and Ready-to-Drink (RTD) beverages could be sold through retail outlets.
The administration has also increased the number of liquor vends from two to 20 across Ladakh. In addition, liquor shops can now operate in guest houses and homestays, whereas earlier only hotels were permitted to serve alcohol.
The new rules also allow alcohol consumption within hotel premises, including guest rooms. Previously, liquor consumption was restricted to bars.
Defending the move, the administration said the policy was aimed at strengthening regulation, curbing illicit trade and supporting tourism by providing consumers with a wider range of choices in a regulated environment.
The policy has also been opposed by the Ladakh Buddhist Association, which said it seeks a "safe, healthy and drug-free future" for the Union Territory. The association described the new policy as a serious threat to Ladakh's social fabric, youth welfare and future generations and demanded the immediate withdrawal of notifications inviting applications for new liquor licences.
Its youth wing leader, Jigmet Rafstan, urged the administration not to transform Ladakh into "another Goa or Delhi".
Meanwhile, the Union government's decision to repeal the decades-old prohibition law in the Muslim-majority Union Territory of Lakshadweep has also triggered criticism.
The Lakshadweep administration recently approved the Lakshadweep Excise Regulation, 2026, repealing the Lakshadweep Prohibition Regulation of 1979 and effectively ending a near-total liquor ban that had remained in force for 47 years, except in certain tourist resorts.
The new framework allows authorities to issue licences and permits for the import, export, manufacture, sale, purchase and consumption of alcohol. It also permits government-owned firms to obtain licences for importing and selling liquor.
Authorities have said the policy is intended to boost tourism and generate revenue.
In February, the administration issued an order permitting the serving of liquor in eight government-run guest houses across the islands.
However, the move has faced opposition from residents and civil society groups, who argue that attempts to liberalise liquor regulations are being imposed without the consent of local communities.
Lakshadweep MP Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed had earlier described the decision to allow liquor in government guest houses as unacceptable and called for the order to be withdrawn.
Sayeed also noted that liquor outlets had already been permitted on four islands in 2021 to promote tourism and warned that expanding liquor distribution could increase alcohol addiction among young people.
With opposition mounting in both Ladakh and Lakshadweep, community organisations and local leaders continue to press for a reconsideration of the government's new liquor policies, citing concerns over their potential impact on society, culture and future generations.