Sheikhgund: Village that banned smoking, tobacco

Sheikhgund (Shangus), Dec 22: In the picturesque village of Sheikhgund in south Kashmir’s Shangus area, a remarkable story is unfolding - a community is united to banish smoking and tobacco from their lives.

This quaint hamlet, nestled amidst apple orchards, has declared both the sale and consumption of tobacco products as an offence, setting an inspiring precedent for neighbouring villages.

The transformation began earlier this month when villagers gathered in their local Masjid to pledge a collective stand against smoking. It wasn’t just a symbolic gesture.

Grocery stores vowed to stop selling cigarettes, tobacco, and tobacco products, and residents committed to quitting the habit for good.

“The youth spearheaded this initiative, and the elders wholeheartedly supported it,” says 70-year-old Muhammad Yaqoob Reshi, a preacher at the Masjid.

Reshi, who owns a small grocery shop, proudly says that he doesn’t sell cigarettes or tobacco anymore. “Why should we earn from something prohibited in our religion?” he says.

Reshi says that purchasing something harmful was not only unethical but also violated spiritual norms.

“I have been consistently delivering Friday sermons on this critical issue, backed by religious guidance,” he says.

The movement’s driving force is 30-year-old Mir Jaffar, who has emerged as a local hero.

“We started with ourselves, and we hope this wave will spread to other villages,” says Jaffar.

For him, smoking isn’t just a health hazard - it’s a gateway to more destructive drug use.

Jaffar sought governmental support to strengthen their efforts.

“If shopkeepers are ready to sacrifice their earnings for a greater cause, the government should lend a hand to make this initiative a grand success,” he says.

The results have already been transformative.

Ghulam Hassan Mir, a 75-year-old former chain smoker, sharing his personal journey says, “I smoked cigarettes and hookah for over 40 years, but this initiative gave me the strength to quit. I can feel the difference - it’s like breathing life anew.”

The womenfolk of the village stand shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts.

“Unfortunately, even the educated smoke and that can lead to drug addiction. We don’t want our generation to be ruined, so we are committed to curbing this menace,” says 26-year-old Saima Bashir.

The village of over 200 households is now adorned with placards and banners reading, “No to Smoking,” “No to Tobacco,” and “Sheikhgund: A Smoke-Free and Drug-Free Zone.”

The message is loud and clear: Sheikhgund is reclaiming its air and its future.

The villagers are optimistic about expanding their campaign to neighbouring areas.

“We want this message to reach every household and every village,” Jaffar says.