Leh, Oct. 28 -- The Ladakh administration has rejected climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's allegations of a widespread expansion of liquor outlets in the Union Territory, terming them "false propaganda" and cautioning him against rumour-mongering.
In a statement, the administration said only one liquor shop was currently operational across Ladakh, contrary to Wangchuk's claim that bars and liquor outlets were being opened in every locality.
Wangchuk had said women were continuing their sit-in for the sixth day against the alleged expansion of liquor outlets, briefly disrupting traffic on National Highway-1. He accused Lieutenant Governor's policies of undermining efforts to tackle drug abuse.
The administration said the Excise Policy 2026-27, notified on June 1, was withdrawn on August 26 following feedback from the public and social organisations. The proposal to open wine shops was scrapped, the auction notice cancelled, and the 2025-26 policy restored.
Under the restored policy, two liquor shops were permitted in Leh's wards 4 and 6. However, following an auction on October 14, a shop became operational only in ward 6, as no bid was received for ward 4.
The administration said 50 restaurant-attached liquor vends were operational across Ladakh.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.