The Union Territory Administration of Ladakh has rejected climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ’s statement about the region’s excise policy. It has also advised him to verify facts with official sources before making statements to the media.
The administration called his statements “false”, “baseless” and “totally imaginary”.
In an official press release, the administration said it had taken “serious note” of Wangchuk’s remarks during a press conference at Ladakh Bhavan in New Delhi on October 22.
Administration says excise policy was rolled back
Responding to this, the administration said the new Excise Policy for 2026-27 was notified through S.O. 198 on June 1, 2026. However, after receiving feedback and suggestions from residents and social organisations, the Lieutenant Governor withdrew the policy on August 26, 2026. The previous Excise Policy for 2025-26, notified through S.O. 35 on April 4, 2025, was restored through S.O. 256 on August 26, 2026.
The proposal to open wine shops under the new policy was withdrawn, and the auction notice issued under it was cancelled, according to the administration. The administration said this policy remains in force.
Wangchuk had alleged that Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena was acting arbitrarily and that alcohol was being promoted across Ladakh despite public opposition. He also claimed that bars were being opened in neighbourhoods and near schools. However, no bids were received for the shop proposed in Ward No.
6 became operational after an auction held on October 14, 2026. 4, and it did not open.
The administration said a wine shop in Ward No. Rejecting Wangchuk’s claim that alcohol was being forcibly promoted, the administration said, “The statement of Mr Wangchuk that ‘ Ladakh mein sharab ko zabardasti badhaya ja raha hai ’ (Alcohol is being forcibly promoted in Ladakh) is totally false and misleading,” it said.
