Srinagar, May 07 (Scoop News) –Chief Post Master General J&K, John Samuel has declared all the Post Offices and Administrative Offices in
J&K Postal Circle as “Tobacco-free” Offices. He has further ordered that “no-smoking” signages would be displayed at all the Post offices. Earlier Chairman J&K Bank had also issued instructions for prohibiting smoking in all J&K Bank branches as well as ATMs and Vice Chancellor Kashmir University declared the University campus smoke free.Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Aamir Ali in the office of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir said that these orders were an outcome of the sustained drive launched by J&K Voluntary Health Association to create awareness about the provisions of Anti Tobacco Act and prohibiting of smoking in public places. Executive Director J&KVHA AM Mir conveyed his appreciation to the Vice Chancellor Kashmir University, Chief Post Master General J&K and Chairman J&K Bank for declaring their institutions smoke free. He also appreciated Divisional Commissioner Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, Deputy Commissioners of all districts, Officials of Health, Medical Education, Drug & Food Control Organisation, Police and especially media, who have whole heartedly supported the crusade against smoking in public.
Mir said due to the anti-tobacco awareness drive there has been an attitudinal change in the minds of the people and the general public is now openly supporting the cause. Public feels emboldened and empowered and has started preventing others from smoking openly. On many occasions, even ladies have asked the drivers or other fellow travellers to extinguish their cigarette, while travelling in public transport like buses and Sumo taxis, as it is against the law. He said that cigarette is the stepping stone for drug abuse, which is become a serious health issue for our youth. Mir said that sustained support of the public can ensure eradication of the menace of smoking in public and ultimately its total eradication.