Centre’s move to ease liquor rules in Ladakh, end ban in Lakshadweep faces backlash from Buddhists, Muslims

The Union government’s decision to relax liquor regulations in Ladakh and lift the long-standing alcohol ban in Lakshadweep has drawn criticism from religious minority community groups and local leaders in both Union Territories.

In Ladakh, the Ladakh Buddhist Association opposed the new excise policy, saying it threatens the region’s social fabric and the well-being of future generations. The organization said it wants a safe, healthy and drug-free future for the Union Territory. The Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil also criticized the move and called for an immediate ban on the sale and distribution of alcohol.

Lakshadweep, a Muslim-majority archipelago, has enforced prohibition since 1979, except at select tourist resorts. Residents and civil society groups have repeatedly opposed efforts to relax alcohol regulations, arguing that such decisions are being imposed without local consent.

Opposition in Ladakh

A liberalized excise policy approved by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena on May 30 allows the retail sale of hard liquor, including imported alcohol and Indian Made Foreign Liquor. Previously, only beer, wine and ready-to-drink beverages could be sold through retail outlets.

The administration said the changes are intended to strengthen regulation, curb illegal trade and support tourism by offering consumers a wider range of alcohol through regulated channels.

The new policy also permits liquor sales at guest houses and homestays, a privilege previously limited to hotels. In addition, the number of licensed liquor outlets will increase from two to 20 across the Union Territory.

Alcohol consumption, which was previously restricted to bars, will now be allowed throughout hotel premises, including guest rooms.

The Ladakh Buddhist Association called the policy a serious threat to local society and urged the administration to withdraw the notification inviting applications for new liquor licenses. The group also asked officials to retain the existing excise framework.

Jigmet Rafstan, a leader of the association’s youth wing, said the administration should not turn Ladakh into “another Goa or Delhi.”

Leaders of the Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil said promoting liquor sales conflicts with the cultural, social and religious values of Ladakh’s residents. They warned that the policy could harm young people and society at large and said residents would organize peaceful democratic protests if alcohol sales and consumption are openly permitted in Kargil.

Lakshadweep ends prohibition

On Friday, the Lakshadweep administration approved the Lakshadweep Excise Regulation, 2026, repealing the Lakshadweep Prohibition Regulation of 1979 and ending nearly five decades of alcohol prohibition in the islands.

The new regulation allows authorities to issue licenses and permits for the import, export, manufacture, sale and purchase of alcohol. Government-owned companies will also be eligible to obtain licenses to import and sell liquor.

In February, the administration authorized alcohol sales at eight government-run guest houses.

At the time, Lakshadweep Member of Parliament Muhammed Hamdullah Sayeed opposed the decision and called for the order to be withdrawn. He noted that liquor outlets had already been permitted on four islands in 2021 to promote tourism and warned that expanding alcohol availability could increase addiction among young people.