Wednesday, July 23


Shillong: In a bid to protect public health and reduce tobacco use, the East Khasi Hills District Police have stepped up enforcement of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, targeting smoking in public places and illegal tobacco sales near schools and colleges.The Cantonment Beat House and Lumdiengjri Police Station in the state capital have led the charge, booking the highest number of violators under this initiative. “Enforcement is being carried out under every police station, outpost, and beat house across the district,” a senior police official said.The district-wide action is part of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), implemented by the health and family welfare department under the National Health Mission (NHM), Meghalaya.“This campaign is not just about fines. It’s about changing behaviour and protecting children, elders, and non-smokers from passive smoke. Our goal is a tobacco-free Meghalaya,” the police official pointed out, adding that the initiative has received public support. Reacting to the drive against public smoking, a student of the St Anthony’s College remarked: “There are kids and elderly who suffer due to smoke. Meghalaya Police are doing a great job saving lives”.Dr Nabneeta D Mawrie, NTCP state nodal officer, said, “Tobacco causes 40% of all cancers and 90% of oral cancer. Eliminating it can save countless lives. We appreciate the police’s active role”.





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