The District Level Coordination Committee meeting of the District Tobacco Control Cell (DTCC) Kohima was held on Tuesday at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, chaired by Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem.

During the meeting, Buchem voiced concern over the early exposure of children to tobacco and emphasized the crucial role of teachers in creating awareness.

He reminded that both police personnel and teachers are empowered to enforce Section 6(b) of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, which prohibits the sale of tobacco products within 100 metres of educational institutions.

The Deputy Commissioner urged for stricter enforcement and the formation of teacher-led task forces in schools to strengthen tobacco control efforts.