Deputy Commissioner & Chairman DTCC, Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie, NCS has notified that in exercise of the power conferred by section 21, 24 and 25 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of advertisement and regulation of the trade and commerce, production, supply and distribution) Act 2003 and for effective implementation of section 4,5,6,7 of COTPA 2003, the following sections of COTPA 2003 will be implemented in Kohima District with immediate effect.

Prohibition of smoking in public places, prohibition of advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products, prohibition on sale of cigarette or other tobacco products to a person below the age of 18 years, prohibition on sale of tobacco products in an area within a radius of 100 yards of an educational institution, restriction on trade and commerce in and production, supply and distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products.

DC has also directed all the concerned authorities to effectively implement it by putting up signage boards prohibiting smoking in public places during any public events and social gatherings and requested the concerned authorities to abide and follow the instructions with immediate effect and action taken report in this regard should be submitted to the DC’s office.

(Siizo Kikhi, IA Kohima)