Srinagar, Jan 25: Kashmir’s famed fire-pot, Kangri, has been put in the prohibited items list by the aviation ministry. Around a dozen Kangri-wielding attendants of passengers were forced to leave the fire pot outside the first security gate despite severe cold conditions on Wednesday in the run up to the R-Day.
 The drivers and relatives, who went to receive passengers from the early morning flight from Leh, were not allowed to get in Kangri at the first security gate up to the airport building with temperature below zero. “I pleaded with the security forces that I was not feeling well and should be allowed to have a Kangri. But my car was not given clearance until I left my Kangri behind,” said Iqbal Ahmad, a parent.
 Many drivers carrying fire-pots were asked to empty fire outside the first gate. “Kangri is a prohibited item. Any object with potential to ignite fire is prohibited. We do not even allow empty Kangri inside the airport,” said Superintendent of Police Airport Security Abdul Rasheed.
 The airport authorities have special regulations for tourists carrying Kangri as souvenir from Kashmir. “Kangri is handed over to officials of the transportation security administration of an airline, who ensure that Kangri is placed at designated place. Once passenger arrives, Kangri is handed over to him,” said Rasheed.
 The SP said the police would consider cases where people need heating. “If such people come to us, we would provide heating arrangements. We do look at cases on need-basis. But fire-filled Kangri is not allowed on the airport premises,” said Rasheed.
 Security has been stepped up in the Valley on the eve of the R-Day, even sensitization exercise is being held at the strategic Srinagar airport.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 IST