Nagaland: Anti-Tobacco Crusaders pledge to combat tobacco use

Dimapur, May 31 (MExN): National Tobacco Control Programme, Dimapur Cell, in collaboration with various organizations, observed World No Tobacco Day 2025 with the theme ‘Unmasking the appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products’ on May 31.

At C-Edge College Chümoukedima, training session was held for 50 Anti-Tobacco Crusaders, a group of students who have pledged to combat tobacco use in all its forms, stated a press release received here. 

The training of Anti-Tobacco Crusaders was divided into three sessions, covering topics such as tobacco facts, forms, and implications, the COTPA Act 2003, and tobacco-related laws, and the magnitude of tobacco problems in India, with a special reference to Nagaland. The training concluded with a feedback session and mapping of Crusaders' strategies. 

The resource persons were Dr N Moa Jamir, Nodal Officer NTCP Dimapur, Dr Sentirenla Jamir, Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgeon, District Hospital Dimapur, and Imkumla Aier, Psychologist, NTCP Dimapur. Obed Patton and Imkongsenla Longkumer moderated the sessions. 

After the training, the Anti-Tobacco Crusaders adopted key resolutions, including educating their peers about tobacco's dangers within the college campus, identifying and supporting tobacco users in quitting and advised to go undergo cessation treatment, and alerting businesses within 100 yards of school and college premises about tobacco regulations. The Crusaders' activities and performance will be evaluated after two months by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Dimapur and the college authorities.

Earlier, Dr Chubatola Aier, Principal of C-Edge College, shared that the College was one of the first to be declared a “Tobacco Free Campus.” She highlighted the efforts made by the faculty and students to maintain this status over the years. Dr N Moa Jamir, Nodal Officer, NTCP Dimapur, highlighted the ill effects of tobacco usage, as well as the COTPA Act 2003. Dr T Temsu Lkr, CMO Dimapur, delivered the keynote address. Imkumla Aier, Psychologist, NTCP Dimapur, gave the vote of thanks, and the programme was hosted by Tangam, BA IV.

In addition to the event at C-Edge College, World No Tobacco Day was also celebrated at the Nursing School, CIHSR Chümoukedima, where Dr N Moa Jamir and Imkumla Aier served as resource persons. Similarly, Charis High Academy, Chümoukedima, had Dr Temjennungsang as the resource person, while Godwin Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima, was addressed by Dr Arihant Jain and Dr Naomi Rio Zhimomi.