Dimapur Sumi Students Union (DSSU), in collaboration with the district administration, conducted a tobacco checking drive in and around Dimapur on March 25.
According to DSSU media cell, the objective of the drive was to monitor compliance with the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 (COTPA Act 2003) and to sensitize the public about the ill effects of tobacco.
The drive was conducted in the following areas, Burma Camp, Golaghat Road, GS Road, Nepali Basti and other surrounding areas.
During the drive, the teams inspected a total of 40 shops and vendors, where 30 shops were found selling tobacco products within 100 yards of educational institutions, which Dimapur Sumi Students Union said was a clear violation of Section 6 of the COTPA Act 2003.
Dimapur Sumi Students Union has therefore cautioned shop owners selling tobacco products near educational institutions, and sensitized shop owners, vendors, and the general public about the ill effects of tobacco and the provisions of the COTPA Act 2003.
Meanwhile, Dimapur Sumi Students Union acknowledged the support and cooperation extended by the administration, police-personnel, and shop owners during the tobacco checking drive.