Leh, Oct. 28 -- The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh rebutted statements made by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on the Ladakh excise policy, terming them "false", "baseless" and "totally imaginary", and cautioned him to refrain from "rumour mongering".

In an official press release, the administration took "serious note" of Wangchuk's remarks at a press conference held on October 22 at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi.

Wangchuk had said, "The Lieutenant Governor is acting arbitrarily. Even now, as I am speaking to you today, around 500 to 1,000 women are staging a protest there. Why? They are saying that alcohol is being forcibly promoted in Ladakh. You know, about two months ago, a decision was taken to open liquor shops everywhere i...