NONGSTOIN, July 8: West Khasi Hills Police has initiated measures against the sale and use of tobacco products in public places.
Informing this during a programme here, Superintendent of Police (SP), West Khasi Hills Herbert G Lyngdoh has made it very clear that there will be strict action against anyone found smoking in public places or selling tobacco within 100 yards of schools and colleges in West Khasi Hills.
The National Tobacco Control Program, Department of Health, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with Sambandh Health Foundation organised a programme and trained police officers in West Khasi Hills on the Cigarettes & Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA).
Speaking during the programme, the Superintendent of Police said, “Our role is absolutely necessary to protect children of Meghalaya. At least the next generation can have a better life without any addictions. I will personally review this in our monthly meetings so that there is strict enforcement.”
“This training is extremely helpful for effective implementation of COTPA ”, the SP added.
The SP further instructed all police stations to install ‘No Smoking’ signs immediately.
During the programme, Dr Eugene Kharmawlong of Civil Hospital, Nongstoin said that with the enforcement of COTPA, the police can save more lives than all doctors of Meghalaya put together.
Prohibition in West Jaintia Hills
Meanwhile, the Office of the Superintendent of Police, West Jaintia Hills has said that anyone found smoking in public places will be fined Rs 200.
Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act 2003 (COTPA) prohibits smoking in public places.
In addition, Section 6(a) states that the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to persons under the age of eighteen is prohibited and Section 6(b) states that no sale of tobacco may occur within 100 yards (300 feet) of any educational institution.
Therefore, the Superintendent of Police reported that any offender will be subject to a fine and sanction in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
