Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk announced the suspension in a post on X on Thursday, saying the administration had agreed to all the demands and sought a week’s time to formalise the agreement.
The four organisations have called off their planned dharna from October 29 to November 5 following an assurance conveyed through a letter issued by the Home Department on October 29 and signed by Special Secretary Tashi Dolma. The letter accepted in principle the points and recommendations submitted by the organisations on the liquor policy.
The organisations — Ladakh Buddhist Association Women Wing, Anjuman-e-Imamia Women Wing, Anjuman Moin-ul-Islam Women Wing and Christian Community Women Wing — had been opposing the policy and demanding its complete rollback, along with the declaration of Ladakh as a dry Union Territory.
In a joint press release, the organisations said the administration had sought a week’s time to finalise the agreement in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation. Respecting the request, they decided to temporarily suspend the protest to allow the administration to fulfil its commitment and formalise the agreed points in writing.
They clarified that the suspension reflected their faith in the administration’s assurance and thanked the people of Ladakh for supporting their campaign.
The protests were triggered by concerns over the expansion of liquor availability in the region, including the issuance of recent bar licences and wine shop permissions. The organisations have maintained that such measures could affect the future of youth, the social fabric and Ladakh’s cultural and spiritual values.
They reiterated their commitment to working towards a healthier and alcohol-addiction-free Ladakh.