Sopore, June 19: As part of the ongoing 100-Day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, Sopore Police intensified enforcement against violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
A Police spokesperson said that During a special checking drive in Sopore town, a shop located within the prohibited radius of Sub-District Hospital Sopore and adjacent Higher Secondary School Sopore was found selling cigarettes and other tobacco products in violation of the provisions of COTPA, 2003.
Acting promptly, Sopore Police, in coordination with the Municipal Council Sopore, sealed the shop and initiated legal action against the owner under the relevant provisions of law.
The action was taken to prevent easy access to tobacco products, particularly among students and to promote a tobacco-free environment around educational and healthcare institutions.
Sopore Police reiterated that such enforcement drives will continue across the district to ensure strict implementation of COTPA and safeguard public health, especially that of the younger generation.
All shopkeepers and vendors have been advised to strictly comply with the provisions of law and refrain from selling tobacco products within the prohibited areas around schools, colleges, hospitals and other notified institutions.
