Sheikhgund's Bold Stand: A Village Unites to Eradicate Tobacco and Inspire Change

In the heart of south Kashmir's Shangus area lies Sheikhgund, a village that has become a beacon of hope and change in the fight against tobacco consumption. This picturesque hamlet, surrounded by lush apple orchards, has collectively decided to eradicate smoking and tobacco from their lives, setting an inspiring precedent that other communities are beginning to take notice of. The initiative, which commenced earlier this month, saw residents gather in their local Masjid, where they pledged an unwavering commitment to banish tobacco from their lives. This wasn't merely a symbolic act; it marked the beginning of a formidable movement. Local grocery store owners have vowed to eliminate the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products, while many villagers have committed to quitting smoking for good. A key figure in this initiative is 70-year-old Muhammad Yaqoob Reshi, a revered preacher at the Masjid. Reshi has taken a strong stance against tobacco, reflecting the values of his faith. "Why should we earn from something prohibited in our religion?" he questions, expressing pride in his decision to stop selling tobacco in his grocery shop. His Friday sermons have emphasized the harmful nature of smoking, framing it as not only an ethical issue but also one that contradicts spiritual principles. At the forefront of this campaign is 30-year-old Mir Jaffar, who has emerged as a passionate advocate for the cause. He views smoking as not just a health risk, but a potential gateway to more severe forms of drug dependency. Jaffar has called upon governmental support to sustain and amplify their efforts, believing that if local shopkeepers are willing to forgo their profits for a greater cause, the government should bolster their initiative to ensure its success. The impact of this movement has been profound. Ghulam Hassan Mir, a 75-year-old former chain smoker, shared how he managed to quit after more than 40 years of smoking. "This initiative gave me the strength to quit. I can feel the difference - it's like breathing life anew," he stated, embodying the transformative spirit of Sheikhgund. The support from women in the community has been equally robust. Saima Bashir, a 26-year-old resident, expressed concern about the prevalence of smoking among educated individuals. She highlighted the potential dangers of drug addiction that could arise from smoking, underscoring the village's commitment to protecting future generations. As the campaign gains momentum, Sheikhgund has decorated its streets with placards and banners proclaiming, "No to Smoking," "No to Tobacco," and "Sheikhgund: A Smoke-Free and Drug-Free Zone." These messages serve as a clarion call, signaling the village's determination to reclaim its air and its future from the clutches of tobacco. The villagers are not content to limit their efforts to their own community; they aspire to spread their message to neighboring areas, hoping to inspire a regional movement against smoking and tobacco use. As Jaffar articulates the group's vision, "We want this message to reach every household and every village." With the community's united front, Sheikhgund stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the potential for meaningful change in the fight against tobacco consumption.