Officials of WSSU and district administration with the
seized tobacco products in Dimapur on Thursday.
- DIMAPUR — The
Western Sümi Students Union (WSSU), in collaboration with district
administration officials and its affiliated units, conducted raids on 70 shops
in and around educational institutions and medical establishments and found
various tobacco and cigarette products being sold illegally within the
restricted zones.
- It stated that despite repeated warnings issued by the WSSU
and the concerned administration, many shopkeepers continued to defy the
regulations, putting the health and well-being of students and the public at
risk. The union has reiterated the urgent need for strict enforcement of those
laws to safeguard public health, particularly in sensitive areas like schools,
colleges and hospitals.
- It also issued a stern warning to all shopkeepers engaged in
the unlawful activity to immediately cease such activities. It added that
further violations would not be tolerated and strict action would be initiated
as per the provisions of the COTPA Act, 2003.
- Meanwhile, the union has expressed gratitude to the deputy
commissioner for deploying officials to assist in the operation, demonstrating
the administration’s commitment to enforcing public health laws and ensuring
compliance.
- WSSU also affirmed to continue conducting regular
inspections in collaboration with the district administration to ensure strict
adherence to the law. It informed that routine checking would be carried out
from time to time and defaulted would be dealt with firmly.
- The union, therefore, urged all shopkeepers to comply with
regulations and avoid legal consequences. It also called upon the concerned
authorities to take swift and decisive measures in addressing the issue and
maintaining public safety.
