Wokha, April 10 (DIPR): To spread awareness and sensitize the shopkeepers and traders on the harmful effects of tobacco and prohibition of selling tobacco products around the schools premises, a sensitization programme was organized at Lotha Tribal Council Hall (LTC) Wokha on April 10.
Dental Surgeon, Sanis CHC, Dr. Mhonthung Tungoe, while delivering the keynote address, said that there are more than 7000 poisonous chemicals found in tobacco products and every six second a person dies globally which is the direct result for use of tobacco products. “Everyone knows that tobacco use can have disastrous consequences on our health but many ignore the risk and use it,” he said and urged all to discourage the use of tobacco products for healthy life.
Psychologist at NTCP Wokha, Abeni, speaking on the harmful effects of tobacco on health and COPTA Act 2003, said that the main aim in organizing the programme is to sensitize the shopkeepers not to sell tobacco products within 100 yards from the school premises. She also emphasized on the section and rules of any violations of the provision under the Act and added that violation may lead to imprisonment of 2 to 5 years or more with penalty in the form of imposition of fines in accordance with the offense committed. She also stated that very shortly checking will start in collaboration with the enforcement agencies.
Tobacco use has negative effect on human health which almost harms every organs of the body and can also cause many diseases and urged all to stop the use of tobacco. The programme was chaired by Social Worker, NTCP Wokha, Mharoni R. Ezung.
