Dimapur, July 29 (MExN): A joint committee of Aoyimkum Baptist Arogo Youth Department, Aoyimkum Kaketshir Telongjem, and Aoyimkum Lanur Telongjem has issued notices to all shops within Aoyimkum jurisdiction to stop the sale of gutkhas from August 1, 2017. The notice was issued with permission from the Aoyimkum Village Council.
According to a statement from the joint committee, ban on the sale of other tobacco products will follow soon in the succeeding phases. The village is targeting to declare itself as Tobacco-Free Village within 8 months, it added. Meanwhile, the joint committee organized a one day seminar for public awareness on tobacco abuse at Aoyimkum Village Panchayat Hall on July 29.
The resource person was Dr. C. Tetseo, District Nodal officer, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Dimapur, assisted by Imkumla Aier (Psychologist, NTCP) and Naro Jamir (DEO, NTCP).
In his PowerPoint presentation and lecture, Dr. Tetseo highlighted that cases of tobacco abuse and health issues related to tobacco abuse is about 57% and rising at an alarming rate. He maintained that the Church has a big role to play in spreading awareness and controlling it. He further highlighted Tobacco Control Laws and in particular COTPA (Cigarettes and Tobacco Products Act). Meanwhile, Dr. Tetseo acknowledged that the seminar was a rare instance because he was addressing to an audience from various age groups.
