DC Zunheboto calls for stringent action on tobacco sales

DIMAPUR — The District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) convened a meeting at the DC conference hall, Zunheboto, on Wednesday, chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC), Zunheboto, Dharam Raj.

According to a DIPR report, the DC in his address highlighted recent seizures of illegal liquor, drugs, and tobacco products in the district.

He urged the Zunheboto Town Council to conduct awareness programmes and take stringent action against illegal vendors operating in residential colonies. He also emphasised the need for geo-tagging and mapping of all licensed shops within the town.

“Selling tobacco is not a crime unless it is sold within 100 yards of an educational institution,” he stated, adding that permission to sell tobacco products should not be granted to pharmacies, bakeries, grocery stores, toy shops, and stationery stores.

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The DC called for regular inspections and enforcement drives to be conducted fortnightly and stressed the importance of installing signboards in front of shops to display tobacco regulations.

District Nodal Officer of the NTCP, Dr. K Rosy Yhome, presented an overview of the activities undertaken by the NTCP and the National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC), Zunheboto, since 2019.

She emphasised efforts to promote tobacco-free institutions, villages, health units, and homes and highlighted the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).

During the event, several schools were recognised and awarded for being tobacco-free. These included Cedar School, Aghunato Town; Bright Wave School, Tokiye Town; Government Middle School (GMS), Tokiye Village; Government High School, Satami Village; GMS, Shevishe Village; and GMS, Keltomi Village.