The District Legal service Authority in collaboration with District Tobacco Control Cell, NTCP Tuensang and Assam Rifles organized World No Tobacco Day under the theme “We Need Food, Not Tobacco” at Tuensang District Town Hall.

K Yapang Longchar NPS, Deputy Superintendent, Tuensang, while sharing his personal experience with tobacco, revealed that he was able to overcome it with willpower and determination. He revealed that it has been tobacco free for 10 years.

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The guest of honour questioned the success of COPTA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act), 2003 and opined that the Act should be applicable to all people, young and old. He further stressed that tobacco has become a major concern as it is also leading to poverty and that it has to be eradicated at the earliest. He encouraged the students to do away with chewing tobacco which is harmful to health as well as the economy in general.

The programme was chaired by Antimangyang Chang Retainer Lawyer TDLSA, welcome address was delivered by Antitola Chang VP GHSS Thangjam, Legal Aspects of COTPA Act 2003 by B. Yemlong Chaba Panel Lawyer TDLSA, Effects of Tobacco and its Consequences by Dr. Aoyanger, Jr. Dental Surgeon DH Tuensang and How to Quit Tobacco by Dr. Firdous Ahmed, 7 Dental Unit AR.

Furthermore, the winners of painting competition on the theme “We Need Food, Not Tobacco” were Shilila T of class 12 (Arts) won the first position; Aden Maoke of class 7 got the second position; and Sangliba T Sangtam of Class 12 (Arts) got the third position.

An Anti-Tobacco bike rally along with a procession by students was held as a part of ‘Tobacco Free Youth campaign’ which was flagged off by the Assam Rifles.