Tseminyu district bans sale of tobacco products to minors

DIMAPUR — Deputy Commissioner of Tseminyu, Japheth Woch, has informed that sale of tobacco products including cigarette, bidis, chewing tobacco, gutka, khaini, pan masala with tobacco and similar products to any person below 18 years is strictly prohibited within the jurisdiction of Tseminyu district.

In an order, the DC stated that this is in accordance with the provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, and the Juvenile Justice Act (JJ), 2015.

“The sale of such products within a radius of 100 yards of any educational institution is strictly prohibited. Any person selling or providing tobacco products to minors shall be liable for punishment under section 77 of the Juvenile Justice Act 2015 in addition to penalties under COTPA 2003,” the order stated.

Also read: Toolkit distribution under PM Vishwakarma held in Peren

The DC also directed all shopkeepers, vendor and stall owners to prominently display boards at their premises with the signage ‘Sale of tobacco products to persons below 18 years of age is prohibited and punishable under the law.’

Further, all heads of educational institutions have been instructed to display notice boards at the main entrance, clearly declaring the prohibition.

“Violators shall invite prosecution under COTPA, JJ Act and any relevant sections of the laws,” the order added.