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Personnel of 9th IR Battalion along with the staff of District Tobacco Control Cell pose for a photograph at the one-day seminar on COTPA 2003 at Saijang in Peren district.[/caption]
Dimapur, Oct. 19 (EMN): District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), Peren, organised a one-day seminar on Cigarettes and other tobacco products Act (COTPA) 2003 for police personnel at 9th IR Battalion in Saijang village under Peren district on October 11. The seminar was conducted in coordination with the commanding officer and other police officers and jawans in its conference hall, an update from the chief medical office (CMO) stated on Friday.
It stated that under the COTPA 2003, anyone using tobacco in public would be imposed with a fine upto INR 200. It added that Section 5 related to fine with advertisements, while Section 6 and 6(a) prohibits sale of tobacco to minors (under 18 years)/ prohibits the sale of tobacco within 100 metre yards from the school campus, and Section 7,8,9, related to fine with labelling and production sector for 1 to 2 years or INR 5000 or more.
Hoineichin Singson, a social worker, briefed the police officers related to the Act.
Meanwhile, the police officers have ensured the DTCC staff to assist the department in any ways they could towards making a tobacco-free community.
In a separate programme, Zunheboto District Health Society, in collaboration with National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), held a seminar for police personnel at Police Station, Zunheboto, on October 19.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. H Hotokhu Chishi, additional director of Health and Family Welfare and resource person, stated that tobacco contributes to most of the leading causes of death in the world. He also stated that tobacco use leads to common diseases affecting the heart, liver and lungs.
While elaborating on various health hazards of using tobacco, he encouraged the participants to shun tobacco and motivated them to be the role model in the society.
Chishi stated that globally 10 million people die every year due to tobacco. In the context of India, he stated that one million people die every year due to tobacco use, while 300 Indians die every day due to tobacco use and also contributed 40% of all cancer. He added that 90% of oral cancer are due to tobacco use.
He further elaborated on COTPA 2003 and gave detailed presentation about Section IV to IX. He encouraged the police personnel to create awareness among their peers on the ill effects of tobacco.
A pledge on anti-tobacco was also taken during the programme and a short documentary on harmful effects of tobacco was screened. The workshop was attended by the additional director of Health and Family Welfare, CMO, deputy CMO, DTO, SDPO, dental surgeon, DH, OC, DPM, medical staff and police personnel.
