The tobacco epidemic in Nagaland has been taking a heavy toll on society as indicated by the rising trend of the incidence of diseases and economic burden related to tobacco use.

Dr. Arenla Walling, Deputy Director and State Nodal Officer National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), stated that even though tobacco has become a serious threat to our society, particularly to the wellbeing of the younger generation, there is no total ban on the sale of tobacco under COTPA 2003, a DIPR report informed.

She also stated that the department has not asked any third party to do enforcement except the authorised officials and if there are any such activities, the department has nothing to do with it.

The NTCP has been carrying out various activities to create awareness about the danger of tobacco products through awareness programmes in educational institutions, churches, and communities.

Apart from that District Tobacco Control Cells in all the districts carrying out enforcement activities to enforce the provisions of COTPA 2003 on regular basis, sections of COTPA 2003 prohibit smoking in public places to protect non-smokers from the effect of secondhand smoke in public places, offices, and workplaces.

The department is also trying to invoke the provision of section 77 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and protection of children Act 2015), it informed.

In this, if any person gives or cause to give to any child, any intoxicating liquor, narcotic drugs or tobacco products, or psychotropic substance except on the order of a duly qualified medical practitioner, such person shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend up to seven years of imprisonment or a fine which may extend up to Rupees One lakh.

An officer from the rank of sub-inspector of police or equivalent rank in other departments is authorised to act on this.

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