LEH, October 30 : The women-led protest against the Union Territory administration’s new liquor policy in Ladakh has been temporarily suspended after the administration agreed in principle to all the demands raised by the protesting organisations and sought one week’s time to formalise the agreement, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk said.
Wangchuk, in a post on X, said the women’s organisations had decided to suspend their agitation following the administration’s assurance to address their concerns.
“Ladakh women leaders suspend their protest against liquor. After the UT administration agreed to all demands and sought a week to finalise the agreement. Let’s hope that their trust and faith in the system will be respected,” he said.
The four women’s organisations had been staging protests against the newly introduced liquor policy, demanding its complete withdrawal and declaring Ladakh a dry Union Territory.
On Thursday, the organisations suspended their proposed dharna scheduled from October 29 to November 5 after receiving a written assurance from the UT administration.
The assurance was communicated through a letter issued by the Home Department on October 29 and signed by Special Secretary Tashi Dolma. The letter accepted in principle the points and recommendations submitted by the organisations regarding the liquor policy.
The protesting groups include the Ladakh Buddhist Association Women Wing, Anjuman-e-Imamia Women Wing, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam Women Wing and Christian Community Women Wing.
In a joint press release, the organisations said the administration had requested one week’s time to finalise the agreement through dialogue and cooperation. Respecting the request, they decided to temporarily suspend their agitation to allow the authorities to fulfil their commitments and formally document the agreed points.
The organisations clarified that the suspension should be viewed as an expression of trust in the administration’s assurance. They also thanked the people of Ladakh for extending support to their campaign.
The protests were triggered by concerns over the expansion of liquor availability in Ladakh, particularly the issuance of new bar licences and wine shop licences.
The women’s groups have been demanding steps to protect the younger generation, safeguard the region’s social fabric and preserve its cultural and spiritual values.
They reiterated their commitment to working towards a healthier and alcohol-addiction-free Ladakh.
