Implement ban on tobacco products

The tobacco pledge ceremony was held recently across the schools and other health institutions with an aim to put an end to the use of tobacco products in the Valley. The government has made it clear that the tobacco products like cigarettes and other things cannot be allowed to be sold close to the schools across Jammu and Kashmir, but a number of Kiryana shops can be seen outside the schools, health institutions where these products are being sold like hot cakes, giving an impression that no significant step has been taken to put an end to the use of tobacco products here. The initiative has been welcomed by one and all. It has been seen that the young boys are getting indulged in smoking and drug addiction, which has taken a huge toll on the society as several incidents have been reported so far where even the precious lives have been lost in different parts of the Valley. It is the high time to ensure that the situation is put under control well on time and thus implementing the ban on tobacco products close to the schools is one among the major and pivotal steps, which must not be delayed any further. There is a need to launch drives across Kashmir in this regard and ensure that those selling these products outside the schools and health institutions are dealt with strictly as per the law. The department must take serious steps in the right direction so that the situation is prevented from getting worsened any further and the society needs to extend its support in this regard so that the young boys don’t indulged in such practices.