District Level Coordination Committee (DLCC) under National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) held a meeting on 14th June at the DC's conference hall.

Dr. Easter, Dentist, District Hospital Zunheboto who is also the nodal officer of NTCP Zunheboto chaired the meeting. In her opening remark, she said that the Tobacco Free Home campaign was started to empower the students to be aware of the harmful effects of tobacco and create awareness among their family members, and as more homes are declared tobacco-free, positive changes regarding tobacco are expected in society. She added that Nagaland is the first state to start such a campaign. It was initiated by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland. In Zunheboto 44 homes have been declared tobacco-free homes and the ambassadors are from Olympic Hr Sec School, Immanuel Hr Sec School, Cornerstone Hr Sec School, St Anthony School, and Seven Home Schools.

Deputy Commissioner Zunheboto Rahul Bhanudas Mali, IAS said that the use of tobacco will give pleasure only for a short time but it would have cascading effects later on in the forms of lung cancer, throat cancer, mouth cancer, etc. and so encouraged the students to be committed in their no tobacco vow and also asked them to advice the family members and elders not to use tobacco in front of them as they would also be affected even if they do not use it. He also asked the Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ZCCI) to inform the shopkeepers not to sell any tobacco products within 100 yards of the school premises and that if caught for the third time, then their trade license would be canceled. The DC also asked the DEO to make sure that all the schools, both private and government, have at least one CCTV installed on the school premises.

            Superintendent of Police Zunheboto Vishal, IPS encouraged the students to be heroes by showing friends about the life span being cut due to the use of tobacco. He also requested the students to advise the elders not to use tobacco as the people seldom listen to law enforcement agencies but if the youngsters advise them they might feel embarrassed and give up using tobacco.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police gave away certificates and tobacco-free home stickers to 44 students.

(DPRO/IA Zunheboto)