DIMAPUR, May 31 - Nagaland has emerged as the second highest tobacco user in the country with the tobacco initiation process beginning at a very young age 8 to 13 years, said Nagaland Minister for Health & Family Welfare P Longon while addressing a World No Tobacco Day function at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima today.
Longon further added that 41% of the children of this age group buy tobacco products for their parents and relatives which itself is worrying factor that needs to be curbed.
Requesting the Department of School Education and Higher Education to actively cooperate in the fight against tobacco menace in the State, Longon also urged the State Police department to intensify measures against tobacco abuses in the State.
The day was observed under the theme: �Get Ready for Plain Packaging� in different parts of the State today.
Minister for School Education Yitachu, who also spoke on the occasion, urged the citizens to help eradicate tobacco from streets, hospitals, schools, government offices, institutions and public places. He appealed all not to be a slave of tobacco. Those who use tobacco should give it up and those who have not tasted it should not to try it as it is not something to be experienced or to be tested, he said. He also encouraged the children to influence their elders as they have the power to do wonders not only for them but for the future.
In Dimapur, the World No Tobacco Day 2016 was observed at the Christian Higher Secondary School with Chief Medical Officer, Dimapur, Dr Vikato Kinimi as chief guest and SDO(C) Dimapur Albert Ezung as the guest of honour.
While speaking on the occasion, Dr Vikato Kinimi advised the students to lead a healthy lifestyle.
The CMO also sought the cooperation of school administration and teachers to make a tobacco-free generation.
