Ladakh festival called off for ‘drug abuse’

Ladakh Confluence, one of the nation’s largest eco-friendly music festivals, has been cancelled following allegations of drug and alcohol abuse.

After All Ladakh Tour Operators Association and Ladakh Buddhist Association opposed the festival saying it promoted “drugs, western culture and rocking music”, Jammu and Kashmir tourism minister Rigzin Jora withdrew support.

Tsering Dorjay, executive head of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, said, “Local groups had complained last year about illegal substances and the harm such activities might do to tourism. This year, it was decided to cancel the concert.”

Organisers refuted the allegations, saying with its focus on “sustainable tourism and culture”, the confluence could only help the state. “We are a drug-free festival,” a core team member said. 

But Aman Chawla, who attended the festival last year, said, “Of course drugs are used at the confluence though it is not as excessive as locals are portraying.”