Yaoshang: Smoking competition most unfortunate, should never happen again, says CADA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 15 2020:
Reacting to a video footage of women participating in a smoking competition during Yaoshang that is going viral on social media sites like Facebook, CADA (Coalition Against Drugs and Alcohol) has strongly condemned the locality and the club responsible for encouraging smoking.
Stating that such competition (smoking cigarette) has no place in Yaoshang sports and shouldn't be glorified, CADA in a statement today said the locals and the club concerned have sent the wrong image to youth and children by organising the competition.
It may be noted that in the video that has been shared many times on Facebook, women participants are seen puffing cigarettes rapidly to finish first.
Terming the event (smoking competition) as most unfortunate, CADA said that the Yaoshang sports and entertainment activities should aim at building a healthy environment and healthy lifestyle among the people/children.
Denouncing the club concerned for endorsing smoking, CADA said that it takes the matter very seriously.
Such event should never be organised again, it added.
Clubs and locals are responsible for shaping and guiding youth and children in the right direction, CADA said adding people should never endorse such events that promote tobacco products, alcohol and illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, Ningol Club, Heirok has also condemned the event and the organisers.
Taking serious note of the event, Ningol Club said appropriate action should be taken against the Yaoshang sports organiser under COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products) Act 2003 and The Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places Rules 2008 .
The Yaoshang sports event organised by Bamon Leikai Mangge Makhong Club saw many young girls participating in the smoking competition, it claimed.