Residents declare Anantnag’s Sheikhgund village as ‘No smoking Zone’

Sheikhgund (Anantnag), Dec 24: In a remarkable step towards public health, the residents of Sheikhgund, a small village in Shangus tehsil, approximately 20 kilometers from Anantnag town, have collectively declared their locality a “No-Smoking Zone.” Shopkeepers have voluntarily stopped selling cigarettes and other tobacco products, making Sheikhgund tobacco-free.
Abdul Rashid Mir, a 63-year-old shopkeeper, said that while people have been smoking in the village for decades, the new initiative aims to safeguard future generations. As shopkeepers, they have extended their support by not selling tobacco products, ensuring such items are no longer available in the village.
“When someone asks for cigarettes now, I politely refuse,” Mir said, standing outside his shop with his hands tucked inside his pheran for warmth. “Our community decided to stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products about a month ago. It’s a contribution we all agreed upon to help our youth avoid harmful habits.”
The decision was spurred by concerns over the increasing prevalence of drug addiction in J&K. Tawseef Ahmad, a 32-year-old villager, said that the tipping point came after a young local was heard off smoking cannabis.
“Our elders called a meeting and warned us that ignoring such behavior could lead to more youth falling into the trap of drugs. That’s when the village decided to act,” he said.
The initiative has the full backing of the local auqaf committee, which has been organizing awareness meetings and putting up posters to spread the message.
Mir Jafar, a committee member, said, “Smoking is often the first step toward addiction. By eliminating it, we hope to prevent drugs from infiltrating our village. This movement, led voluntarily by the youth, can set an example for other villages to follow.”
Despite initial challenges, the decision has gained widespread support. Even chain smokers in the village are beginning to adapt.
Mohd Ibrahim, a 40-year smoker, admitted that while he hasn’t quit entirely, he has significantly reduced his intake. “I still smoke, but much less now. It feels odd to do so in public, knowing the community’s stance. This initiative has made me reflect on my habits,” he said.
The village, comprising over 150 households, requires those who wish to smoke to leave the village to purchase and consume tobacco products outside Sheikhgund’s boundaries.
The initiative has garnered widespread appreciation. Even the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, Syed Fakhrudin Hamid, expressed his appreciation during a program in Anantnag, and said that he was pleased with the effort and plans to visit the village in the coming week.