17 shops found violating COTPA in Mangkolemba

Mangkolemba Town Council members, police personnel, dobashis, and officials from MTSU during a surprise inspection conducted at Mangkolemba town on April 30.

• DIMAPUR — To ensure adherence to the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, the Mangkolemba Town Council conducted a surprise inspection on April 30 at various establishments across the town.
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• According to a DIPR report, the inspection aimed specifically at ensuring compliance with the Tobacco Control Law by enforcing Section 6(B) of the Act, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions.
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• The operation was coordinated with local law enforcement, dobashis, and the Mangkolemba Town Students' Union (MTSU). The inspection team examined multiple shops and street vendors. As a result of this operation, 17 shops were found to be in violation for selling tobacco products in prohibited areas.
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• Items seized, including cigarettes and other tobacco products, were disposed of publicly in the presence of the town councillor, dobashis, Watsu Mungdang, representatives from the MTSU and business union, as well as security personnel.

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• After the inspection, a meeting was held, during which it was decided to rigorously implement the Tobacco Vendor License (TVL) requirement under Section 6(B) in Mangkolemba in the near future. The council emphasised the necessity for all vendors to secure valid licenses for selling tobacco products and to comply with zoning regulations to avoid penalties.
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• Officials remarked that this initiative is part of a continuous effort to establish a tobacco-free environment for students and to educate local shopkeepers about the legal restrictions. First-time offenders received warning notices, while those who repeatedly violated the regulations faced more severe consequences.
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• The council also invited the community to support this initiative by reporting any violations and urged them to participate in raising awareness about the negative impacts of tobacco.