World No Tobacco Day 2023 was observed at Longleng at Bautang Government Higher Secondary School (BGHSS) on Wednesday under the theme “We Need Food Not Tobacco”. The progra was organised by District Tobacco Control Cell, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) Longleng.

Special guest, Dr Pritpal Kaur Batra, IPS, SP Longleng explained the COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) 2003 and asked for its strict implementation to save lives from tobacco use. She urged everyone in society to fight against the menace of tobacco by controlling both the demand and supply of the tobacco products.

She also launched the 60-day NO TOBACCO campaign and took the “No Tobacco” pledge with the participants.

Earlier, Dr Bongau Phom, District Nodal Officer, National Tobacco Control Programme Longleng welcomed the attendees and a power point presentation on theme words and the chronic diseases and cancer cause by tobacco use was given.

Also in the program, Trongdiba Sangtam, SDO(C) encouraged the attendees to quit tobacco; Dr Tiasunep, CMO Longleng addressed the parents to set good examples for their children because children learn directly from parents’ actions; Dr Samuel Akho Konyak P urged cooperation from all civil society organizations, heads of offices, schools, business establishments and wards. He requested their support and compassion towards tobacco control measures, emphasizing that apathy would hinder society’s progress.

Six schools were declared Tobacco Free Schools in Longleng.

Furthering the cause of tobacco control, Arumaran, Principal, BGHSS expressed gratitude to all the participants, special guests, attendees for their presence for making World No Tobacco Day 2023 program a success.

Aphak, Youth Secretary, PBCA invoked God’s blessing and the program was chaired by Carolene Nuklu, teacher, BGHSS.

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