The Kiphire district launch of Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 featured a rally flagged off by Superintendent of Police Chinese, who called upon the youth to stay away from tobacco use. (DIPR Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur/Wokha | October 9
The National Tobacco Free Youth Campaign 3.0 was launched across Nagaland under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), with simultaneous programmes held in multiple districts, including Dimapur, Mokokchung, Longleng, Kiphire, Zunheboto, Wokha and Mon. The 60-day campaign aims to educate and empower young people to quit tobacco use and promote a tobacco-free lifestyle.
In Dimapur, the campaign was launched by Dr Tinojongshi Chang, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, NTCP Dimapur, at C-Edge College. Addressing the gathering, Dr Chang highlighted that India is the second largest producer of tobacco in the world and underscored the financial and health burdens of tobacco-related diseases. He urged youth to make informed choices and actively spread anti-tobacco messages within their communities.
Pongkhao Esther, Tobacco Cessation Psychologist, NTCP CIHSR Chümoukedima, explained the objectives of the campaign, noting that activities such as youth empowerment drives, awareness programmes, and social media engagement will be undertaken during the 60-day period. A video presentation by the Anti-Tobacco Crusaders of C-Edge College and an anti-tobacco pledge also marked the event.
In Mokokchung, the campaign was launched at Christian Residential Higher Secondary School by Dr. Ademla Tinu, Medical Superintendent, IMDH. District Nodal Officer Dr K. Tiasenla, in her keynote address, emphasized the role of educational institutions in nurturing a tobacco-free generation. Participants took a pledge to abstain from tobacco use and to become advocates of healthy living.
In Wokha, the campaign was launched at Mount Tiyi College by Additional Deputy Commissioner Renbomo Ezung, NCS, who served as the special guest. Ezung highlighted the short- and long-term impacts of tobacco use and urged the youth to refrain from tobacco consumption and addiction. Chief Medical Officer Dr Thungchanbemo Ezung underlined the health risks associated with tobacco, while Dental Surgeon Dr Thungrhoni Kikon outlined the key objectives of the campaign, including awareness creation, behavioural change through education, and enforcement of tobacco control laws in institutions and public spaces.
In Longleng, Deputy Commissioner W. Manpai Phom graced the launch event held at PBCA Convention Hall. He urged students to lead by example and reminded them that the commitment to stay tobacco-free must go beyond the 60-day campaign. Dr. Nichukholie Vupru, District Nodal Officer, NTCP Longleng, elaborated on the campaign’s strategies and the risks associated with tobacco consumption.
The Kiphire district launch featured a rally flagged off by Superintendent of Police Chinese, who called upon the youth to stay away from tobacco use. Students actively participated in sharing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in both English and local dialects and raised slogans advocating a tobacco-free lifestyle.
In Zunheboto, the campaign was launched at Immanuel Higher Secondary School with participation from several schools. Dr Chumei Nyam, Dental Surgeon, District Hospital Zunheboto, spoke on the objectives of the campaign. Dr Vihuto Assumi, President of Sumi Hoho, while launching the event, extended the organisation’s support to initiatives promoting health awareness among the youth and cautioned against the long-term health impacts of tobacco.
In Mon, the campaign was launched at Government High School, Bumei Changlangshu Village, by MLA Naiba Konyak. He advised students to avoid tobacco, noting its harmful effects on memory and concentration, and stressed on the importance of maintaining cleanliness. District Nodal Officer Dr Esther Chophy Ngullie highlighted the main objectives of the campaign—raising public awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco, enhancing compliance of tobacco-free educational institutions, and strengthening enforcement of COTPA 2003 and PECA 2019.
