Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Smoking in films

The argument in the article, `How rational is a ban on smoking in movies?' (Dec. 22), is perfectly acceptable. It is sure to prevent youngsters from falling victim to the habit of smoking. But why can the ban not be extended to television serials and stage performances? Also, regulating the production and distribution of cigarettes can help reduce the number of young smokers.

K. Ram Das,
Haripad, Kerala

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Strict implementation of the ban is sure to have a salutary effect in discouraging young people from picking up the habit of smoking. Ultimately, the cultivation of tobacco has to be discouraged and phased out.

Y. Jagannatham,
Vijayawada, A.P.

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It baffles me why no one mentions a blanket ban on tobacco itself. As far as my knowledge goes, tobacco products are used only for smoking or chewing, which means their only use is misuse. Does the role of the Government, which is supposed to ensure the health and welfare of its citizens, stop with ensuring that the statutory warning `smoking is injurious to health' is carried on cigarette packets?

T.U. James,
Neriamangalam, T.N.

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