Srinagar: Demand for condoms in conservative Muslim-majority Indian Kashmir has outstripped supply and the state authorities have asked for more, an official said on Sunday.
"The government has sent a letter to the federal health ministry mentioning the shortage of condoms and seeking fresh supplies," a senior health ministry official said.
Kashmir's Family Welfare department, which distributes condoms for free in a bid to encourage married couples to limit the size of their families, has been forced to turn away condom seekers, the official said.
Despite the fact that Islam forbids the use of contraceptives, the demand for condoms in Kashmir has risen significantly, according to Saleem-u-Rehman, a senior official in the Family Welfare department.
Rehman's department distributed some 1.1 million condoms in 2002, 1.8 million in 2003 and 2.6 million in 2004.
Last year's figures were not available but officials believe the numbers outstripped those of the previous year.
Pharmacist Altaf Ahmed said condom sales were increasing every year.
"People want to limit the size of their families and using condomns is the best way to do that," he said.
Most of those buying condoms, he added, are shy Kashmiris who reluctantly ask: "Can we have a pack of protection?"
Kashmiris follow Sufi traditions and are very conservative. Discussing sex in public is taboo.
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