SHILLONG, March 25: East Khasi Hills Police and Health department have warned strict action against people smoking in public places and selling tobacco within 100 yards of educational institutes.
Elucidating further, a police official said, “Anyone found smoking in public places will now be issued with a challan of Rs 200 and action will be taken against those selling tobacco within 100 metres of educational institutions.”
It may be noted that Health Minister James Sangma recently took to Twitter to air his concern over the ever-increasing trend of tobacco consumption in Meghalaya.
“About 8,000 tobacco-related deaths take place in Meghalaya every year. The growing menace of tobacco use in our state is a worrying trend,” he said.