Leh women stage sixth day of sit-in at NDS Park against new liquor outlets
Leh — A sustained women-led protest against the recent opening of liquor shops in and around Leh entered its sixth day on Monday, with demonstrators maintaining a sit-in at NDS Park and calling on the administration to shut outlets they say threaten the social fabric and youth of the region.
Women from different religious communities have taken to the streets since last week, staging a continuous demonstration that has seen a rotating but persistent presence at the park. According to reporting in The Tribune, while many people join the agitation during the day, about 15 to 20 women usually remain at the site overnight despite sub-zero temperatures.
“We want these shops to be shut,” said Kunzes Dolma, president of the women’s wing of the Ladakh Buddhist Association, reported The Tribune.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk used social media to highlight the protest and criticised the Union Territory administration’s policy on liquor outlets. In a post on X quoted by The Tribune, he contrasted Ladakh’s approach with other states and questioned why liquor outlets were being permitted close to villages, homestays, guesthouses, schools and temples.
Sources in the Ladakh administration told The Tribune that officials were engaging with the protesters and efforts were underway to address the situation. The nature and timeline of those administrative responses were not detailed in the report.
Voices and concerns from the ground
Protesters argue that the opening of new liquor shops poses risks to young people and to communal norms, and have drawn support from women’s groups across religious lines. The sit-in has continued despite harsh weather, underscoring the depth of concern among participants.
- Location: NDS Park, Leh.
- Duration: Sixth consecutive day of protest.
- Overnight presence: Around 15–20 women reported to remain overnight.
- Demands: Closure of newly opened liquor shops, particularly those near villages, homestays, guesthouses, schools and temples.
Administrative engagement and wider implications
The protests have already drawn national commentary and raised questions about policy choices in Ladakh. The Tribune report quoted Sonam Wangchuk’s social media post that criticised what he described as a seeming inconsistency between Ladakh’s liquor policy and that of other states, noting in particular the decision to permit outlets near sensitive community spaces.
The Ladakh administration’s reported engagement with protesters indicates authorities are aware of the unrest, but the details of negotiations and any immediate remedial measures remain unclear in the public reporting. Residents and community leaders will be watching for firm administrative responses, including regulatory or licensing reviews, to resolve tensions and prevent escalation.
| Issue | Reported status |
|---|---|
| Protest | Ongoing sit-in at NDS Park (day 6) |
| Administration response | Officials reportedly in touch with protesters; specifics not disclosed |
Local observers note that liquor policy in mountain and high-altitude societies often intersects with concerns over tourism, livelihoods and cultural practices. The entry of liquor outlets into villages and hospitality establishments such as homestays and guesthouses raises practical questions about regulation, enforcement and community consent—issues that protesters have placed at the centre of their demands.
For now, the immediate priority for residents and civic leaders appears to be a peaceful resolution that addresses protesters’ demands while clarifying regulatory positions. Continued monitoring of developments and transparent communication from the administration will be essential to defuse tensions and reach a consensus that reflects Ladakh’s social sensitivities and developmental goals.
Reporting for this article is based on coverage published by The Tribune and direct statements cited therein.
