Srinagar: With an aim of discouraging the consumption of tobacco products by the public, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday banned the sale of e-cigarettes in the state with immediate effect.

"A complete ban has been imposed on the sale (including online sale), manufacture, distribution, trade, import and advertisement of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS)/e-cigarettes in the state with immediate effect," a statement issued by Directorate of Health Services Kashmir said.

A circular to this effect was issued on Monday to discourage the consumption of tobacco products by the public, especially the younger generation of the state, Director Health Services Dr. Saleem ur Rehman said.

"Jammu and Kashmir is the fifth state in the country to implement such ban which will be a landmark moment in anti-tobacco measures initiated by the government," Minister for Health and Medical Education Bali Bhagat was quoted as saying in the statement.

The Director Health Services, Kashmir, who also heads the State Tobacco Control Cell, said the department will use effective strategies to ensure the proper implementation along with other key stakeholders.

State Tobacco Control Cell has been established in the state which is responsible for overall planning, implementation and monitoring of different activities and achievement falling under National Tobacco Control Programme.