Srinagar: The Airports Authority of India is set to open its first liquor shop at Srinagar International Airport as part of a central government initiative to install such outlets at all aerodromes across the country.
The plan is to open the outlet on New Year’s Day, sources said, adding that no fewer than 50 firms from various states had shown interest in the proposal.
Kashmir is not dry officially but an unofficial ban was imposed by militants in 1990 on sale and consumption of liquor.
Liquor is banned in Islam, which explains the broader societal disapproval for booze in the Valley.
The state has 223 liquor vends – a rich source of revenue for the government – but most of them are in Jammu.
Officials said the Valley has seven liquor vends – four wine shops and three bars in hotels and restaurants, all in Srinagar district.
Director Srinagar airport Sharad Kumar, while talking to Kashmir Press Service (KPS) said, the bid was opened for public in September 27 and it will be closed on November 6 and bid will be opened on December 7.
“We hope that by providing this facility we can attract more and more tourists. Otherwise there are only a few liquor shops in Kashmir. But here it’ll be available in safe and secure environment and will give a boost to tourism,” Kumar added.
He, however, clarified that no boozing would be allowed at the airport. “They can only buy it and carry it along but you cannot drink at the airport as it won’t be like a bar and will be open likely on new year.”
Seen as preferred tourist-destination in the Indian subcontinent –Kashmir has shown need for good quality liquor. But then, liquor equally continues to be tabooed in this only Muslim majority state of India.
The entire Valley has only four liquor shops and a dozen odd bars limited to a few high-end hotels and golf courses. But the conservative forces including social and religious organizations have been fighting for a ban. Some of the groups even moved court with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on liquor sales in line with states like Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s native Gujarat.
Molvi Ghulam Rasool Hami, who has opposed such initiatives in the past, vowed to hit the streets and challenge the move in court. “They (the government) are doing it in the name of tourism promotion but they have no regard for local sensitivities,” he said.
In 2010, the then Omar Abdullah government had decided against issuing fresh liquor licences. The National Conference leader had intervened when Vijay Mallya announced plans to restart cultivation of hop – used in making beer – in 2009, nipping the liquor baron’s plans in the bud.
Meanwhile, President of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCC&I), Javed Ahmad Tenga Thursday expressed serious concern at the reported proposal of opening a wine shop at the Srinagar Airport.
KCC&I as per the statement issued to media condemned the proposal in all forms and urged the State Government to take all measures to preserve and protect the unique culture of the State. (Inputs: Asia Times)
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