Anantnag Village Goes Smoke-Free
By: Aazan Manzoor | Date: January 1, 2025
Sheikgund Shangus, a village in Anantnag, has taken a significant step towards promoting a healthier lifestyle by becoming a smoke-free zone. This transformation is the result of a dedicated effort by Mir Jafar, a local resident who has led the campaign to eliminate tobacco sales and usage in the area. Over the past two months, Jafar has collaborated with shopkeepers and community elders to curb tobacco consumption, resulting in a noticeable reduction in cigarette sales.
Jafar highlighted the spiritual and health benefits of quitting tobacco and urged shopkeepers to stop selling cigarettes and related products. While the shopkeepers risked financial loss, Jafar reassured them that the rewards from Allah for contributing to the well-being of the community outweighed any material profit. His message resonated strongly with the locals, leading to a collective decision to end tobacco sales. As a result, cigarette and tobacco sales have come to a halt, and several elderly villagers, some of whom had been smoking for 40 to 50 years, have successfully quit smoking.
The initiative has received widespread appreciation from the community. One resident expressed gratitude for the movement, emphasizing how it has led to significant change. According to him, while the village may not be entirely smoke-free yet, around 90% of the community has embraced this positive shift. Shopkeepers have actively participated in the movement by refraining from selling tobacco products, contributing to the overall success of the initiative.
This initiative has not only brought health benefits to Sheikgund Shangus but has also inspired nearby villages to consider similar measures. The smoke-free movement is gaining momentum, showcasing the power of collective action and the importance of community-driven health initiatives. With tobacco consumption being a major concern in Jammu and Kashmir, where approximately ₹850 crore is spent annually on tobacco products, initiatives like these hold the potential to drive broader societal change and reduce tobacco usage across the region.
For more updates on community-driven initiatives and health campaigns across Kashmir, visit Kashmir Reacts.
