DIMAPUR: Nagaland joined the global observance of World No Tobacco Day 2026 on May 31 with programmes held across districts under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” The events, organised by the Department of Health and Family Welfare through the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), highlighted the growing concern of nicotine and tobacco use among youth and the urgent need for community based prevention and enforcement.
KOHIMA: The state level programme was held at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, organised by the State Tobacco Control Cell. Special guest S. Tainiu, secretary, Health & Family Welfare, said tobacco control in Nagaland was moving beyond awareness campaigns into stronger administrative and enforcement efforts. She informed that Tobacco Vendor Licensing rules were being framed in coordination with municipal bodies, while a State Empowered Committee on WHO FCTC Article 5.3 had been formed to protect public health policies from tobacco industry interference. She added that enforcement teams had intensified inspections, penalising more than 400 violations of the 100 yard tobacco free zone around educational institutions last year.
Delivering the theme talk, Dr. I. Simon Sumi, State Nodal Officer, NTCP, highlighted the growing influence of novel nicotine products among youth. Guest of honour Dr. Mereninla Senlem, principal director, Health & Family Welfare, expressed concern over rising oral cancer cases linked to smokeless tobacco and urged church leaders and youth ministries to support prevention efforts.
Dr. Keveduyi Theyo, Mission Director, National Health Mission, stressed the role of faith based youth groups in guiding young people towards healthier lifestyles. Testimonies and technical sessions were also held, including addresses by Dr. I. Arenla Walling, Director (Dental), and Dr. Lovika P. Shikhu, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Nagaland University. The programme concluded with an anti tobacco pledge and a joint discussion on strengthening community based initiatives.
DIMAPUR: At St. John Higher Secondary Residential School, Dimapur, DEO Y. Mughaho Zhimo urged students to live tobacco free lives, stating that “true strength lies in saying No when the world pressurises you to say Yes.”
Theme speaker Dr. Sentirenla Jamir exposed marketing strategies targeting youth, while Dr. Jeshua Nchang, District Nodal Officer, NTCP, explained nicotine’s addictive properties. Competitions in poster making, essay writing and painting were also held, with winners awarded during the programme.
ZUNHEBOTO: At the Old Town Prayer Fellowship, Zunheboto, retainer lawyer Easter H. Yepthomi of ZDLSA delivered a detailed address on the COTPA Act, 2003, covering prohibitions on public smoking, advertising, and sale near educational institutions. She warned of severe health risks, including oral cancer, and noted that nicotine exposure before age 25 can impair brain development. She urged District Tobacco Control Clubs to monitor sales to minors and enforce compliance near schools. The programme was organized by the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Nagaland, in collaboration with the DLSA, under the theme “Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.” The event featured contributions from Alibo K. Swu (Psychologist, NTCP), Kitokali Yeptho, Kainali and siblings, Liviya Aye, and Elina.
MON: In Mon, the programme was held at New Site Fellowship Church, organised by NTCP Mon and the District Legal Services Authority. Guest speaker Dr. S. Ngampa Sangme emphasised exposing the misleading appeal of tobacco products marketed through packaging, flavours and peer influence. Four schools from Longwa—Shakam Brighter School, Government Middle School, Shalom School and Government Pre Primary School—were declared Tobacco Free Schools. Activities included quiz competitions, pledges and certificate presentations under the supervision of Dr. Esther Chophy Ngullie, District Nodal Officer, NTCP Mon.
WOKHA: At Tiyichan Lotha Baptist Church, Wokha, theme speaker Dr. Bipenthung N. Jami highlighted harmful effects of tobacco, including cancer, COPD, anxiety and infertility. He noted that tobacco companies often use celebrity endorsements to attract youth. Bethsaida School was declared a Tobacco Free Educational Institution. WDLSA briefed participants on COTPA provisions, while awareness campaigns were pledged across institutions and villages.
PEREN: Peren District Legal Services Authority (PDLSA), in collaboration with NTCP, observed World No Tobacco Day at the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Jalukie. Dr. I. Shakuntala, Dean, delivered the special address, while panel lawyers explained legal provisions under COTPA. A similar programme was held at Jalukie Town Local Baptist Church with Sunday School teams, attended by over 100 participants.
TUENSANG: National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Tuensang observed the day at Old Church, Tuensang Village, with Tiarenla Sangtam, Sr. SDEO Tuensang as chief guest and Rev. T. Mongba, Pastor, TVBC as special guest.
Delivering the theme address, Dr. O. Daisy Ovung, Senior Dental Surgeon and District Nodal Officer (NTCP), DH Tuensang, spoke on how tobacco companies lure youth through marketing strategies and the harmful effects of vaping and e cigarettes. She highlighted alarming statistics: 43.3% of adults above 15 years in Nagaland use tobacco—higher than the national average—and 43% of school children aged 13–15 years consume tobacco, making Nagaland the second highest in youth tobacco use in India (GYTS 4).
At the event, Keshai village was declared as tobacco free village and ten schools across Tuensang district were also declared tobacco free schools.
Painting competitions were conducted in senior and junior categories, with winners awarded cash prizes and certificates. Tobacco Free Schools and the Tobacco Free Village were also felicitated during the programme.