The District Health Society Kargil organized a district-level advocacy workshop under the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP) at Rego Café TFC, Kargil on March 17 to raise awareness about the hazards of tobacco consumption and discuss strategies for effective tobacco control in the district.
Chairman CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, attended the event as the chief guest. 

In his address, he commended the NTCP’s efforts in curbing tobacco use and emphasized the need for community awareness, particularly among shopkeepers, about the health risks associated with tobacco. He highlighted the positive role such initiatives play in public health and appreciated the women of Kargil for largely refraining from tobacco use. Encouraging willpower over medical interventions for quitting smoking, Dr. Jaffer assured full support from LAHDC for future initiatives.

The event saw the participation of Dy SP Dar, Tundup Dorjey, Joint Director Information Ladakh Imteeaz Kacho, Joint Director Planning Abdul Hadi, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kargil Kacho Liaqat Ali Khan, Nodal Officer NTCP Dr. Fatima Nissa, along with college principals, lecturers, representatives from the Merchant Association Kargil, religious organizations, and other stakeholders.

Key discussions included Dr. Syed Iftikhar, who provided insights into the history of tobacco use, smoking forms, health risks, and cessation strategies. Inspector, State Taxes Department, Stanzin Sherap, explained the COTPA Act, which regulates tobacco control laws, while District Consultant NTCP, Masood Ahmad, outlined the NTCP’s role in enforcing tobacco control measures. Joint Director Information, Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho, emphasized the effectiveness of religious awareness campaigns in discouraging tobacco use and assured the Information Department’s full support in spreading awareness. Additionally, Dy SP Dar briefed the audience on the role of law enforcement in implementing tobacco control regulations.

As part of the awareness campaign, the Regional Art & Theatre Art Group (RaNTHAG) performed a theatrical play depicting the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and its social and health consequences.

The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by CMO Kargil, followed by the distribution of certificates and recognition awards to stakeholders for their contributions to tobacco control efforts in the district.