The J & K Voluntary Health Association organized the release of the advocacy brochure in Urdu at the J & K Assembly on 2 September 2009. Mohammad Akbar Lone, Honourable Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly released the brochure.

During the course of the discussion, the Hon'ble Speaker of Legislative Assembly appreciated the survey conducted by JK VHA in various villages of the State to highlight the percentage of rural smokers. The Advocacy Kit was received by all the Assembly and the Council members of Jammu and Kashmir State.

The Hon’ble Speaker lauded the efforts of the J & K VHA for launching the anti-smoking campaign. He extended his full support and issued instructions to authorities to enforce collections of fine from violators smoking in public places. Most of the members appreciated the efforts of VHAI in undertaking this mission:

Mr Devindra Singh Rana (Legislator) Political Advisor to Hon’ble Chief Minister, “I am a non smoker but I will support the Campaign.”

Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta (MLA) BJP Chief of J&K State, “This is a good humanitarian cause. We should all support this irrespective of our political ideologies.”

Gh. Qadir Pardesi (NC MLC) said, “A good job done by VHAI and JK VHA. I will go through the contents and do all I can to support the cause.”

Peer Mansoor (PDP MLA) “Great job done by Voluntary Health in creating awareness and preparing Anti- tobacco Kit for us to take further action.”

The members further suggested that a one day seminar should be organised on this subject so that adequate awareness is created. It was also recommended that such awareness campaigns should be organised at district level as well.

The Electronic and Print media gave wide publicity to this event. Copies of some of the English Newspapers are enclosed herewith. News coverage appeared in Greater Kashmir, The Mirror Of Kashmir, The Monitor, Kashmir Images and Rehmat.