Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 06:
After Zarda, Khaini, Talap and other tobacco products, the proscribed Revolutionary People's Front (RPF) has banned import and selling Mithapati (betel leave) in the State with effect from October 15.Justifying prohibition on trading and sale of the item, assistant secretary of communication and publicity of the outfit Lily Leima said Mithapati has caused a great hindrance in effecting the ban on tobacco products as it is mainly used in Zarda-pan thus encouraging continued smuggling of Zarda into the State by concealing among the betel leaves.
Issuing stern warning, the outfit said anybody who defy the ban would be regarded as opposing stand of the RPF and considered a fit case for punishment.
While highlighting the health hazard caused by consumption of tobacco products, the outfit maintained that profit earned by local shopkeepers from selling these tobacco products is minuscle compared to profit of businessmen who smuggled these products into the State apart from the fact a huge amount of money is being drained out from the State.
The outfit also appealed to the people to extend their co-operation and support in effecting the ban on tobacco products.