Crackdown on tobacco sales near Schools, public places conducted
Srinagar: Police has launched a special drive against the illegal sale of cigarettes and tobacco products near educational institutions and public places in Ganderbal and Handwara, a police spokesman said Tuesday.
He said that in Ganderbal, during the drive, several shops located near Schools and public places were inspected at Beehama, Duderhama, Gangerhama, Kangan, Safapora, Kondbal, Gutlibagh, Shadipora, Nagbal, Gund, Kullan and Sonamarg strict action was taken against those found violating the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
The initiative aims to curb the easy availability of tobacco products to minors and to promote public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use. Police has also sensitized shopkeepers about the legal restrictions on selling tobacco products within 100 yards of school premises and warned that any violation will attract strict legal consequences.
While reaffirming commitment towards community well-being, SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal urged parents, teachers, and civil society members to actively support this campaign by reporting such violations to the nearest police station.
In Handwara, police, in collaboration with the Executive Magistrate Handwara, conducted a special checking drive in Handwara town targeting shops located within a 100-meter radius of educational institutions.
During the course of checking, two shops were sealed for violating COTPA regulations, and a large quantity of tobacco products was seized on the spot. The action was taken in the presence of the Executive Magistrate, ensuring transparency and adherence to due legal procedure, the spokesman added.
