JAMMU, JUNE 1: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has banned sale, possession and consumption of all tobacco products in Katra town and its surrounding areas falling within a radius of 8 kms, with immediate effect.
The sale, possession and consumption of liquor and meat in Katra town, which acts as base camp for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Trikuta Hills, are already banned by the administration.
Pointing out that “the town of Katra is the bae camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and is visited by more than 10 million people every year,’’ an order issued by Reasi Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Pal Mahajan on Friday read that “the consumption of tobacco (chewable and non-chewable) products including cigarettes pose significant risks to public health, contributing to various serious diseases including cancer, respiratory illness and cardiovascular diseases’’.
The prohibition will be with immediate effect from Nomain Chech Post, Panthal Nak and from the start point of Tarakote track to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan including the track, the order said, adding that any violation of it will invite strict punitive action under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
Pointing out that Reasi SSP will implement the order in letter and spirit, Mahajan said that the sale, possession and consumption of liquor and meat are already banned in Katra town and and 8 km area around it in view of its religious sanctity.
Justifying the ban, he said that while the yatra has increased manifold and large number of devotees from all over the country and abroad are visiting the holy shrine every day throughout the year, the requirement of prohibition of sale, possession and consumption of tobacco products including gutka (chewable and non-chewable), cigarettes and other related products, has become expedient to be extended in time to uphold the religious sentiments of yatries and the holiness of the pilgrimage.
It is the duty of this governing body to protect the health and well-being of its citizens, he said, while issuing prohibition order under Section 144 of CrPC banning the sale, possession and consumption of tobacco products including gutka, cigarettes and other related products in Katra town and its surrounding areas falling within a radius of 8 kms.