World No Tobacco Day celebrated across Nagaland

Nagaland joined the rest of the world in observing World No Tobacco Day on May 31. Various districts in Nagaland organized events to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine use, especially among the youth.
The National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Dimapur Cell, in collaboration with various institutions, observed World No Tobacco Day with a district-wide celebration.
At C-Edge College, Chümoukedima, a key event featured a one-day training session for 50 Anti-Tobacco Crusaders, a student-led initiative to combat tobacco use. The inaugural session was addressed by principal, Dr. Chubatola Aierwho, emphasized the college’s commitment as one of the first “Tobacco-Free Campus” and encouraged students to build sustainable anti-tobacco strategies.
Nodal Officer, NTCP Dimapur, Dr. N. Moa Jamir, highlighted tobacco’s harmful impact and provisions under the COTPA Act 2003, while CMO Dimapur, Dr. T. Temsu Lkr, delivered the keynote. The event also included interactive sessions on tobacco facts, legal frameworks, and Nagaland-specific concerns, conducted by Dr. Sentirenla Jamir, Imkumla Aier, and others. Crusaders adopted key resolutions to spread awareness, support cessation, and ensure local compliance with tobacco laws. Their progress will be reviewed in two months.
Simultaneously, awareness programs were also conducted at the Nursing School, CIHSR, Charis High Academy, and Godwin Higher Secondary School, with NTCP officials and medical professionals serving as resource persons.
Kohima: Department of Health & Family Welfare, through the State Tobacco Control Cell under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), observed the state-level World No Tobacco Day 2025 at Bethel Higher Secondary School, Kohima.
The highlight of the event was the launch of a 7-day digital campaign titled “Exposing Tobacco Harms”, aimed at spreading awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and the deceptive tactics of the tobacco industry. The campaign will run across social media platforms with videos, infographics, editorials, and radio talks, engaging schools, health professionals, and communities statewide.
Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Anoop Khinchi, launched the campaign as special guest. He emphasized the state’s commitment to tobacco control through strong policies, community engagement, and enforcement. He urged students to avoid tobacco and highlighted initiatives like TOFEI, tobacco-free villages, and teacher-led enforcement under COTPA Section 6(b).
Khinchi called for united action against deceptive marketing strategies that target youth through attractive packaging, social media, and misleading advertising. He urged students not to use tobacco in any form. He also highlighted that state has notified teachers to act as enforcement officers to implement COTPA sec 6(b), schools and teachers need to exercise this empowerment in their jurisdiction. All schools and medical establishment under DHFW are declared s tobacco free and concluded by urging all stakeholders to support the tobacco-free movement.
Director & HOD, DH&FW, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, delivered the keynote, warning against rising tobacco use in Nagaland, especially among youth. She stressed the role of education and awareness in combating addiction.
Other who spoke on the evenr were Additional Director (Dental) and State Nodal Officer (NTCP), Dr. Arenla Walling, Director & HOD, DH&FW, Dr. Mereninla Senlem, The programme was chaired by deputy director (NVBDCP), by Dr. Tinurenla Anichari and vote of thanks by senior dental surgeon, NHAK, Dr. Neingutunuo Angami.
Wokha: In Wokha, the District Tobacco Control Cell, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, commemorated World No Tobacco Day at the Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS). MD and Dermatologist, District Hospital Wokha, Dr. Niya Kath, was the theme speaker for the event. She addressed the deceptive marketing tactics employed by the tobacco industry, highlighting how these companies glamorize tobacco use through misleading advertisements, particularly targeting the younger generation through social media platforms.
Dr. Kath emphasized the alarming statistics, stating that India has the highest rate of oral cancer due to tobacco consumption. She further noted that the Government of India has implemented various initiatives under the National Tobacco Control Programme, such as tobacco cessation programs and toll-free helplines, to support individuals in quitting tobacco.
Delivering her speech on the topic, “Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003”, Panel Lawyer, Wokha District Legal Service Association, Shanchobeni P Lotha, said that the Act covers several aspects such as prohibition of advertisements, selling of tobacco products to person below 18 years as a punishable offence, prohibition of smoking in public places, ban of tobacco products with 100 yard radius of educational institutions etc.
Furthermore, keynote speaker, chief medical officer, Wokha, Dr. Thunchangbemo Ezung, in his address, stated that public should be well aware of the misleading advertisements shown by tobacco industry, and that they should refrain from buying such tobacco products.
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Mokokchung organized an event at GMS Senkalemba aimed to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and how the tobacco industry uses deceptive tactics to attract young consumers.
A press release by District Programme Management Unit, NRHM, Mokokchung, stated that speaking on the occasion, consultant, DTCC, Nukshiwati, delivered a brief PPT on the said theme and how to raise awareness about the harmful influences of Tobacco. Students were also sensitized on harmful effects of tobacco and encouraged them not to be a victim of tobacco.
A free oral check-up was conducted for the students by Dental Surgeon IMDH Mokokchung, Dr. Keneitheja. Free oral hygiene kits including tooth brush and paste were distributed.
A painting competition was also conducted on the theme where Longdichem, Puniang, and Khioniu, bagged first, second, and third.
Mon: World No Tobacco Day was celebrated at the Government Higher Secondary School, Mon Town, organized by the National Tobacco Control Programme in collaboration with the Mon District Legal Services Authority. Superintendent of Police, Mon, Kanchan Kumar Kandpal, delivered a compelling speech warning students about the deceptive tactics used by the tobacco industry. He urged students to be cautious, highlighting that the industry targets the youth by making tobacco products more appealing and offering incentives such as scholarships to build a positive image.
An award ceremony was also held to recognize Chen Wetnyu Village in Mon District for becoming the first tobacco-free village in the region. The award was presented by the NTCP Nagaland branch in recognition of the village’s commitment to promoting a tobacco-free environment.
Chief Judicial Magistrate, Wokono Yoshii, spoke on the legal aspects of tobacco consumption, specifically focusing on the four key sections of the COTPA Act 2003, which are particularly relevant for students.
Zunheboto: World No Tobacco Day was observed at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Zunheboto, under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products.” The event was organized by the NTCP in collaboration with the District National Tobacco Control Cell.
In her speech, guest speaker Dr. Mezhunuo Angami, highlighted that 43% of students aged 13–15 in Nagaland use tobacco, influenced by attractive marketing. She warned of the health risks and emphasized that tobacco is a leading cause of preventable death. Key provisions of COTPA 2003, such as bans on smoking in public places and sales near schools, were also discussed.
Phek: The Phek District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA), in collaboration with the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC), observed World No Tobacco Day.
Deputy Commissioner, Phek, Rhosietho Nguori, attended as the guest speaker and emphasized the need for collective efforts from civil society, NGOs, students, and churches to combat tobacco use in the state.
District Nodal Officer (NTCP), Dr. Pfukrolo Koza, highlighted that tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death globally. He warned of deceptive industry tactics targeting youth through flavored products and misleading marketing, noting Nagaland’s high consumption of pan masala with tobacco and its link to rising cancer rates.
Retainer Lawyer, PDLSA, Vethothi Vero, explained key provisions of the COTPA Act 2003, including bans on advertising, smoking in public places, and sale of tobacco near schools or to minors. He also discussed penalties under COTPA and the Juvenile Justice Act.
As part of the observance, 15 schools were awarded certificates for being declared Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions. The awards were presented by NJS, District & Sessions Judge and Chairperson, PDLSA, Mezivolu T. Therieh,
Earlier in the day, a Walkathon from local ground to clock tower was organized by DTCC and PDLSA, flagged off by SP Phek, Dr. Pritpal Kaur. It saw participation from nine schools, the Phek Town Mothers’ Association, and the Town Council.
Peren: District Tobacco Control Cell, Peren, under the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), observed World No Tobacco Day at Baptist Higher Secondary School, Jalukie B.
President, Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation, Apeuna Iheilung, graced the occasion as special guest. She urged students to take charge of their lives, avoid harmful substances like tobacco, and set a positive example for others.
District Nodal Officer, NTCP Peren, Dr. Aoyanger, emphasized that avoiding tobacco—especially combustible products—is the only way to eliminate its health risks. He encouraged students to adopt healthy habits and become champions of a tobacco-free future.
A major highlight of the event was the certification of 17 schools in Peren district as Tobacco-Free Schools, with certificates presented by the guest of honor. Essay and painting competitions were also held, and winners were awarded.
The program included a pledge against tobacco use, distribution of IEC materials, and special presentations. The event was chaired by principal, BHSS, Wijunliu, with participation from school staff, NTCP officials, and students.
Shamator: World No Tobacco Day was observed at DB’s Court, Shamator, in a program jointly organized by the District Administration and District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Department of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Health & Family Welfare Department and Police Department.
EAC Shamator, Mekato J. Aye, addressed the gathering as guest speaker, highlighting the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and the need for collective action to curb its use. Dr. Ezra Anar, MO CHC Shamator, led the participants in an anti-tobacco oath, reinforcing the commitment to a tobacco-free community.
ASI DEF Shamator, Renithung Lotha, briefed the attendees on the COTPA Act 2003, emphasizing legal provisions related to the prohibition of tobacco trade and distribution, especially in public spaces.
The event saw active participation from NGOs and representatives of various government departments, marking a successful and collaborative observance of the day.