Srinagar, August 11:(KNS) Anti-illicit Trade & Consumption of Cigarette in J&K (AITCC J&K) has organized webinar titled “Stop illicit trade and consumption of cigarettes in J&K” which is a campaign to Stop illicit trade and consumption of cigarettes in J&K. AITCC in a statement said that Jammu and Kashmir although is implementing the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA) even than Kashmir is on the top of the Smoking Pyramid which including the sale of illicit and consumption of cigarettes.
The webinar was organized to raise awareness among stakeholders and the purpose of this initiative is to sensitize government and civil society, as an effort to put in sustainable measures to eliminate the illegal (illicit) sale and consumption of cigarettes in Jammu and Kashmir says Saleem Wani the Project Head of this initiative.
Among other issues discussed the fact sheet of illicit trade and consumption of cigarettes of entire J&K was highlighted. The pictures of Win- Mond- Esse- Pine etc where also presented to demonstrate the absence of statuary warning in these illicit cigarettes, during one of the sessions by Mr. Ronik Sharma while observing from the origins of these brands, It has been found and discussed that these China manufactured cigarettes brands are cheaper and without regulation attract the young and adolescent which has created menace in our society therefore government to pay immediate attention.
During the webinar discussion it was also highlighted that Illegal cigarettes can land any one in jail as a matter of COTPA ACT. Questions from participants which include; Can anyone afford to lose earnings? Selling illegal cigarettes like Win- Mond- Esse- Pine etc can land you in jail and loose earnings as retailer, quoting that ignorance of law is no excuse pointed out by Advocate Sharma.
Sameer Bhat one of the prominent social worker from Anantnag said that if these cigarettes are banned why the administration does not sensitize shopkeepers about this issue rather then they will lose earning as shopkeepers who sell these cigarettes.
This campaign has been started by concern citizens, NGOs, journalists , business man , students and other stakeholders with the name of Anti-Illicit Trade & Consumption of Cigarettes (AITCC) J&K.
AITCC also started social media campaign and ask concern and interested citizens to join us to save this paradise from illicit trade and consumption of cigarettes.
AITCC also highlighted the efforts by the district administration and Food Safety Department government of J&K which before the pandemic of COVID-19 have had made attempts and raids for effective implementation of COTPA Act and also urged the concern administration to curb the trade of this menace which is spreading in our community rapidly particularly in the COVID-19 situations. (KNS)