SP Mon cautions students against tobacco industry's tactics

Mon, May 31 (MExN): World No Tobacco Day was organised by National Tobacco Control Programme in collaboration with Mon District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) at Government Higher Secondary School, Mon town on May 31.

Kanchan Kumar Kandpal, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Mon spoke on the theme ‘Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing industry tactics on tobacco and nicotine products.’ Kandpal cautioned the students to be aware and be cautious of tobacco industries as their targets are the young generation. He informed that “In order to attract the youth, they add flavours and other agents that change their smell, taste or appearance. These agents make the tobacco products more palatable for the youth.”

“Some in the tobacco industry even give scholarships in order to portray a good image so that the students will not be wary of them,” he added. 

During the occasion, NTCP, Nagaland branch awarded Chen Wetnyu Village, Mon district as the “first village to be declared as Tobacco Free in Mon district” and for their outstanding contribution to society. On behalf of Chen Wetnyu Village, Chairman Nokpai Konyak received the award and cash prize.

Dr Esther Chophy Ngullie, District Nodal Officer, NTCP, Mon stated that that till now 58 schools and two Government colleges i.e. Wangkhao Government College and New Model Government College, Wakching were declared ‘Tobacco Free Educational Institution’ in Mon District.

Addressing on the legal aspects of tobacco Wokono Yoshü, Chief Judicial Magistrate, briefed the students about four main sections of COTPA ACT 2003 which is relevant for the students. Later, dignitaries, teachers and students took Anti Tobacco Pledge led by Purtila Jamir. Poster Competition was also held where 15 students from different schools participated. Cash prizes and certificates were given to all the winners and participants.