The Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) observed World No Tobacco Day on May 31 by conducting an extensive outreach programme across seven institutions in Kohima district under the theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.”
Held under the banner “Choose Life and Health,” the initiative targeted children and young people through Sunday schools, catechism classes and a children’s home. A team comprising 10 panel lawyers and three para legal volunteers reached out to a total of 702 children.
The programme was conducted at Christ the King Church, Kohima Village; Chakhessang Baptist Church, Kitsubozou; Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Church; Peniel Christian Revival Church; Union Christian Revival Church, New Market; Rengma Baptist Church; and Bright Morning Star Children’s Home.
Resource persons highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco consumption, emerging nicotine products targeting youth, and legal provisions related to tobacco control. Topics covered included restrictions on tobacco advertising, prohibition of tobacco sales to minors, the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, and provisions under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
At various venues, speakers urged children to resist peer pressure, adopt healthy lifestyles and stay away from tobacco and nicotine products. Participants were also encouraged to engage in productive activities and become advocates for a tobacco-free society.
The outreach programmes concluded with anti-tobacco pledges and awareness activities, including poster campaigns. According to KDLSA, the initiative was aimed at protecting children and young people from tobacco addiction through legal awareness and health education.