Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 28 2009:
A workshop on Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, (COTPA), 2005 was held today at the Conference Hall of Manipur Voluntary Health Association located at Wangkhei Ningthempukhri Mapal.
The workshop organised by the Manipur Voluntary Health Association in collaboration with Voluntary Health Association of India, New Delhi was attended by Khirom Loyallakpa, editor of Naharolgee Thoudang as the chief guest.
The president of the function was Dr Th Bhubon, Additional Director of Manipur Health Service while the guest of honour was SP of Imphal East district, Th Radheshyam.
Kh Loyalakpa said even as the Act is in force in the state, the people are violating the provisions of the COTPA.
He said the Act can be enforced if the law enforcing agencies work wholeheartedly.
Imphal East SP, Th Radheshyam said Acts have been passed for the welfare of the people of the land.
But in Manipur there are no dearths of people who raise opposition to an Act.
Saying that it is not a good sign, he said all the people should extend support and cooperation to enforce such Acts.
Dr Bhubon said even as the Act come into force on October 2, 2008, the government is silent still to put in force.
Giving the key note address, MVHA executive director N Saratchandra said that over one lakh tobacco products users every year.
He also lamented that no government department has displayed posters on the wall over the bad affect of using tobacco.