Kashmir is a Muslim-majority region, but it is by no means a dry state. There are wine shops, and hotels have a bar.
SRINAGAR: Residents of central Kashmir’s Beerwah town locked a hotel on Monday after it was found serving liquor to its guests.
After receiving a tip off, the local police raided the and seized a huge quantity of liquor bottles, a local news agency, CNS reports.
The hotel owner was also arrested.
As soon as news spread residents, religious activists and traders took out the furniture and other items from inside and locked it. They were led by Mirwaiz or chief cleric of Central Kashmir, Syed Abdul Latif.
“Even after his release form the prison, we would not allow him to run this hotel,” he said.
Not Dry Valley
Kashmir is a Muslim-majority region, and Islam prohibits drinking and selling alcohol. But the valley is by no means a dry state.
The government has issued licenses to many wine shops, and some hotels have a bar too.
Eight years ago, members of the women’s separatist group Dukhtaran-e-Millat ransacked a wine shop in a hotel premise. The leader of the group was booked under the Public Safety Act, which provided for detention without trial for two years then.
In this case also the police have filed a case under section 48 of Excise Act.
“Investigation has been started and further arrests are expected,” Station House Officer, Beerwah told CNS.
Also Read: Record Sale of Liquor in 2012 in J-K
