Members of the All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) destroying seized illegal liquor and tobacco products in Zunheboto on October 3. (Photo Courtesy: SKK)
Zunheboto, October 4 (MExN): The All Sümi Students’ Union (SKK) on October 3 conducted checking at shops operating around educational institutions in Zunheboto following the expiry of its 72-hour ultimatum against the sale of illegal liquor and tobacco products.
The action followed an ultimatum issued by SKK on September 30 after the union, during its Educational Tour-cum-Health Centre Tour, detected illegal liquor shops operating in and around educational institutions. On the same day, SKK also conducted a joint checking with the Department of Excise and prohibition, Zunheboto, at shops surrounding Government Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto, where illegal liquor was detected and seized.
In its ultimatum, the union demanded the immediate closure of illegal liquor outlets operating in and around Zunheboto district and called for strict enforcement of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989. It also called for enforcement of Section 6 of the COTPA Act, 2003, particularly the prohibition on the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions.
SKK had given law-enforcement agencies 72 hours to take effective action, stating that it would be compelled to take further democratic and lawful action if its demands were not acted upon within the stipulated period.
Following the expiry of the deadline, SKK carried out checking on October 3 and reportedly found illegal liquor and tobacco products being sold at shops in the area. The seized items were destroyed on the spot in the presence of shop owners and members of the public.
The union reiterated that it would not remain a silent spectator to the sale of liquor and tobacco around educational institutions and stated that it would continue to take necessary action within the law to safeguard the interests of students and the public.
