Shopkeepers in the state capital, Kohima, who sell tobacco products, have been asked to display a signage declaring that “Sale of tobacco products to a person under the age of 21 years is a punishable offence.”
The minimum size of the board is 60cm x 30 cm. It should be displayed at a conspicuous place of the shop with an immediate effect. This was communicated to the shopkeepers during a sensitization programme for shopkeepers on harmful effects of tobacco & COTPA 2003, held here at LCS Building on January 29, organized by District Tobacco Control Cell, Kohima, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland.
Dr. Arenla Walling, Nodal Officer, District Tobacco Control Cell, Kohima, Department of Health & Family Welfare, said the District Tobacco Control Cell would soon carry out an inspection adding that fine would be imposed against the defaulters
Resource person Asenla Jamir, Psychologist, District Tobacco Control Cell, Kohima, Department of Health & Family Welfare, said selling of loose cigarettes has also been banned from this year. Stating that there is a tobacco control act on prohibition on sale of tobacco products to and by a person below the age of 21 years, she asked the shopkeepers to comply with the COTPA 2003.
Further, Jamir informed that there is also a ban on sale of tobacco and tobacco products within 300 yards of any educational institutions. Several shopkeepers in the state capital Kohima turned up at the programme and later received participation certificate.
Friday, February 20, 2026