Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 29:
Intensifying its drive against tobacco products, the proscribed outfit RPF/PLA confiscated a large quantity of tobacco products including Talab, Khaini and Mithamana during a special drive at Khumbong area on January 27 and the same were consigned to flame
today.
Six shops which were selling these banned substances have also been shut down even as the outfit has asked 10 other 'accused' persons to surrender within five days from today.
The owners of the six shops that have been penalised with closure for five months for selling the banned tobacco products are identified as Chingakham Robindro (35) son of late Ibomcha, Moirangthem Achou (40) son of Goura, Chingkham Bimola (45) wife of Kumar, Yumnam Tilotama (32) wife of Trinity, Atom Memchoubi (42) wife of Nilkamal and Oinam Subita (40) wife of Pishak, all residents of Khumbong Bazar.
Parading all six of them in front of mediapersons somewhere in Senapati district today, the spokesperson of the department of communication and publicity of the outfit informed that the special drive was launched in Khumbong area on January 27 acting on specific information that some people are still selling the tobacco products inspite of the ban imposed.
During the course of interrogation, it came to light known that the tobacco products have been procured from Biren and Saroj who run grocery shops at Sareng Yonpham of Khwairamband Bazar as well as from one Ibemnu of Konthoujam.
Moreover, seven other persons who are still trading in tobacco products in defiance of the ban have also been identified.
They are Sanatombi Devi wife of Thokchom Ibothem, Mandolei wife of T Norendro, Sanaton Devi wife of Wahengbam Manao, Nanao Devi wife of Nongmaithem Rajendro, Manitombi Devi wife of Longjam Gyaneshwar, Jiten son of Thangjam Madhumangol, all residents of Khumbong Bazar and Khelen son of Paonam Tolpishak.
All seven of them should surrender along with Biren, Saroj and Ibemnu to the outfit within five days from today, the spokesperson said while warning of serious consequences if they fail to surrender within the set deadline.
Any person who defy the ban of the outfit should be ready to face with the consequences, the spokesperson added.