Easter H Yepthomi, Retainer Lawyer, Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority, along with others during the observance of World No Tobacco Day 2026 at Old Town Prayer Fellowship, Zunheboto on May 31. (Morung Photo)
Zunheboto, May 31 (MExN): Retainer Lawyer, Zunheboto District Legal Services Authority (ZDLSA), Easter H Yepthomi highlighted key provisions of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 during the observance of World No Tobacco Day 2026 at Old Town Prayer Fellowship, Zunheboto on May 31.
Speaking at the programme, Yepthomi explained Sections 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the Act, which regulate tobacco use and seek to protect public health.
She stated that Section 4 prohibits smoking in public places, including restaurants, bus stations and other public spaces. Hotels with 30 seating facilities are required to have designated smoking areas, while violators are liable to a fine of Rs 200. She said that smoke-free zone signages are legally mandated to protect non-smokers from exposure to passive smoking.
Explaining Section 5, Yepthomi said, "All forms of tobacco advertisements are prohibited, including promotions through television, newspapers and billboards." She added that tobacco products must carry pictorial health warnings and products without such warnings cannot be legally sold.
Referring to Section 6, she informed that the sale of tobacco products to persons below 18 years of age is prohibited and shopkeepers violating the provision are liable for penalties. She also noted that the sale of tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions is banned.
Warning about the health effects of tobacco use, Yepthomi said, "Tobacco consumption can lead to serious diseases, including oral cancer." She added that the human brain continues to develop until around the age of 25 and exposure to nicotine and tobacco products during this period can adversely affect brain development, memory and cognitive functions.
Calling for community participation, she urged District Tobacco Control Clubs to work with nodal agencies and relevant authorities to monitor and prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors and near educational institutions.
The programme was organised by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Nagaland, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), under the theme "Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction."
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Alibo K Swu, Psychologist, NTCP. The invocation was pronounced by Kitokali Yeptho, Assistant Pastor (Children), while a special presentation was performed by Kainali and Siblings. The vote of thanks was delivered by Liviya Aye, General Secretary, District No Tobacco Club Zunheboto, and the benediction was pronounced by Elina, Sunday School Teacher, Old Town Prayer Fellowship.
