People demand rights, government offers liquor shops
JAMMU, Jun 1: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Jammu & Kashmir unit, has strongly opposed Ladakh’s new excise policy, terming it a serious threat to the Himalayan region’s cultural heritage, social values, and the future of its youth. The party alleged that in its blind pursuit of revenue, the government is attempting to turn sensitive and spiritually significant regions into hubs of liquor trade.
State President Manish Sahni said that a deeply ironic situation has been created in Ladakh. While the people of Ladakh are demanding democratic rights, constitutional safeguards, and protection of their identity, the government is responding by expanding the liquor business.
Sahni said this is not a new experiment. The same excise model whose consequences Jammu & Kashmir is already facing is now being imposed on Ladakh. On one hand, the government claims to be running a “100-Day Drug De-Addiction Campaign,” while on the other, it is encouraging the availability and sale of liquor. This reflects a clear contradiction in government policy.
He said Ladakh is a major center of India’s Buddhist and spiritual heritage. Increasing the number of liquor outlets from 2 to 20 in such a peaceful and culturally sensitive region is not merely an administrative decision but a direct assault on its social fabric and cultural values.
Sahni further stated that allowing liquor sales in homestays and guest houses in the name of promoting tourism, along with easing licensing norms, shows that the government is more concerned about excise revenue than preserving local culture. If this is the model of development, it poses a serious threat to Ladakh’s identity and heritage.
He noted that Jammu & Kashmir has already witnessed an unprecedented expansion of the liquor trade under the new excise policy. Before the abrogation of Article 370, there were around 220 liquor outlets in the region; today, that number has risen to 305.
Shiv Sena demanded the immediate withdrawal of Ladakh’s new excise policy and called for a halt to the unchecked expansion of liquor outlets in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in Jammu district. The party also urged the government to take concrete steps toward phased prohibition.
Sahni warned that if the government continues to ignore public sentiment, cultural heritage, and social concerns, Shiv Sena will launch a large-scale public awareness campaign and mass movement across both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. He said the party would intensify its struggle through democratic means to safeguard Ladakh’s culture, youth, and social fabric. On this occasion Sanjay Bhatt (Gen Secretary (Org.)), Aditya Mahajan (Vice president) were present.