National Tobacco Control programme, Dimapur held the launching programme of ‘Smoke-Free District Headquarters campaign’, which aims to make every district headquarter ‘Smoke-free’. The campaign was launched by Commissioner of Police Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo, with officials from Health & Family welfare Department and police officers from different stations at conference Hall of the Commissioner of Police’s office, Dimapur.

Rothihu Tetseo encouraged all the team members of the District Anti-Tobacco Squad to work with zeal and dedication and to be role models so that the Smoke-Free campaign would be successful. He also urged the gathering to put up necessary signage in their work places so that people may be made aware about Section 4 of Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COTPA), which bans smoking in public places.

District Nodal officer, NTCP, Dr.Reyosalu Lase Vizo, spoke on the objectives of the campaign and COTPA 2003. She said that the Smoke Free campaign is to make the public aware of the hazards of smoking and effect of second hand smoke, which can cause diseases like cancer, stroke, TB, pneumonia, infertility and many more. Vizo added that the ban on smoking is to protect non-smokers and women and children from second hand smoke.

The program was chaired by psychologist NTCP, Imkumla Aier, and vote of thanks was given by Dy. Sp MTO and Team leader of District Anti-Tobacco squad, William Kath.

                                                                                                (DIPR)