DHSK holds anti-tobacco drive-COTPA violators fined

SRINAGAR, JAN 28 –  On the directions of Director Health services Kashmir
Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather tobacco control cell of Directorate of health
services Kashmir with the active support of SHO police station Bemina
launched anti-tobacco enforcement drive around Bemina and adjoining areas
in the vicinity of Peadriatic hospital (Children Hospital) and SKIMS Medical
college Bemina. During the enforcement drive it was found various street
vendors were selling cigarettes and other tobacco products in violation of
COTPA 2003 act. They were on spot fined and Cigarettes and other
Tobacco products were seized from them. Various individuals who were
found smoking in public places were also fined. Director Health services
Kashmir Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather said that more and more such drives
will be launched in future. He said that selling tobacco products in and
around health and educational institutions is banned under the law. He
further said that smoking is the major cause of all cancers and whole society
shall join hands to control its use.