The launching programme for smoking free Tuensang district HQ was held at DC’s conference hall, Tuensang on 17th August 2021.

Deputy Commissioner Tuensang, Kumar Ramnikant said that the nicotine present in the smoking and non smoking tobacco which is very addictive in nature and contains carcinogen which causes cancer which needs to be made aware among the general public. Smoking tobacco not only harms the primary consumer but also harms the non consumer secondary and tertiary individuals around the primary consumer, he said.  Smoking tobacco destroys the respiratory system in humans and with the COVID pandemic, those with respiratory problems can be a victim of it, he also said. He also asked the Tobacco consumer control cell to expand the smoke free district HQ Campaign to the whole of the district and also to establish a habilitation centre for de-addiction of tobacco related substances.

SP Tuensang, Amit Nigam spoke on Section 4 of COTPA 2003 where it states on the ban of smoking in public places and Section 6a and 6b of COTPA 2003 prohibiting selling of tobacco products to underage individuals and prohibition of selling tobacco products within the 100 yards around the premises of educational institution. He also encouraged the citizens to cooperate with the police and also help give awareness to the public of COTPA 2003 so that police can enforce the law successfully.  

Dr. Ao Yanger, Jr. Dental specialist highlighted the aims of the campaign to the house. Certificates were also presented to tobacco free schools and village which were awarded to St John Higher Secondary School, Akum Imlong School and Kuthur Village respectively.              

                                                                                                (Thungti Chang, IA Tuensang)