Nsunyu, Chunlikha, Likhwenchu now tobacco free village

NTCP officials and others during the declaration of tobacco free villages of Nsunyu, Chunlikha and Likhwenchu on March 6. (Morung Photo)

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 6

The number of tobacco free villages in Nagaland has gone upto 12 with today’s formal declaration of three more villages - Nsunyu, Chunlikha and Likhwenchu under Tseminyu sub division of Kohima district.

With today’s declaration under National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), the number of tobacco free villages in Kohima district has gone upto seven. Two each tobacco free villages falls under Dimapur and Zunheboto district and another one in Wokha district.

In a function held at Nsunyu village, Tseminyu ADC Nokchasashi handed over tobacco free villages certificate to the concerned village councils after formal declaration made by Dr Hotokhu Chishi, State Nodal Officer (NTCP).

After the formal programme, the gathering took no smoking pledge, promising not to smoke or use tobacco products now and forever. 

The pledge was administered by Asao Seb, Chairman, Church Board NBC.

Besides taking pledge to always try to stay away from second hand smoke, the gathering also vowed to do their best to encourage people who do smoking or use tobacco products to quit smoking and using tobacco products and “will do my best to support them as they try to quit.”

Realizing the harmful effect of tobacco consumption, three villages have decided to come under the ambit of tobacco free villages, said Chunlikha village council chairman Zukeya Woch.

The three villages has imposed ban on selling of tobacco products within their respective village jurisdiction since January 1 this year.

Henceforth, he said that smoking or chewing of tobacco products will also be restricted inside the premises of educational institutions, offices, community halls or any other public places within the respective village jurisdiction.

A fine of Rs 3000 will be imposed against anyone found selling tobacco within the respective village jurisdiction and Rs 5000 for the second time.

For the third time, trade licence will be cancelled and even to the extent of suspension from the village, said Woch.