Honorary Secretary Regional Red Cross Kashmir, M. R. Mattoo today said any unauthorized use of the emblem is a punishable offence.He said that it has been observed that the emblem is used in hospitals, dispensaries, clinics, blood banks, and members of medical, dental and nursing associates, pharmaceutical companies and organizations operating ambulance services.“Misuse of the emblem diminishes its protective value and therefore, destroys the delicate mechanism established by international humanitarian law to ensure much needed humanitarian assistance to the victims of war and international disturbance,” the Secretary said.He further said that the Red Cross Society Kashmir has launched awareness campaign insisting for the right use of the emblem through various seminars and appealed the medical fraternity and business classes to desist from the misuse of the Red Cross emblem.Mattoo said that the emblem can only be used by Indian Red Cross Society, military medical Services, their personnel, units, installation and means of transport, the International Committee of Red Cross and by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.Besides, Indian Red Cross first aid centres' that offer totally free medical assistance and are authorized by the National Society are also authorized to use the emblem.