Imphal, April 29: In continuation of its drive against tobacco products, the proscribed outfit RPF has shut down six shops for six months for allegedly selling these banned substances during a drive conducted at Sangakpham Bazar today.

A large quantity of tobacco products like Khaini, Talab, Zarda and Mithamana seized during the drive have also been set on fire in front of the people today.

The owners of the shops which have been penalised with closure for six months are identified as Yumnam Joy Meetei (45) s/o late Yumnam Kalachand of Laipham Khunou Mamang Leikai; Konsam Ranjit (41) s/o Konsam Ibomcha of Laipham Khunou Maning Leikai, Ayo (29) s/o Indrew of Langol, L Menao Devi of Sangakpham, Kiyam Rameshori w/o Kiyam Ibungomacha of Langol and supplier Mantu Bihari of Thangal Bazar Ngari Gali.

Along them, Yumnam Joy and Konsam Ranjit were paraded before mediapersons somewhere in valley area by the outfit today.

Talking to mediapersons at the occasion, a spokesperson of the department of communication and publicity of the outfit said on receipt of specific information on continued selling of tobacco products by some people in defiance of the ban, the outfit conducted a raid in Sangakpham Bazar area today and managed to seized a large quantity of Khaini, Talab, Zarda and Mithamana.

During the course of interrogating Joy, Ranjit, Ayo, Menao and Rameshori, it has been learnt that the tobacco products were supplied to them by Mantu Bihari of Thangal Bazar Ngari Gali.

So Mantu Bihari should surrender to the outfit within five days from today, the spokesperson demanded, while warning of dire consequences if he fails to so.

All the shop owners who have been pulled up by the outfit would be handed over to their respective family members after giving proper advice against such indulgences in the future.

However, as punishment of defying the ban, their shops should remain close for six months and they should be ready to face with the consequences in the event of finding them opening their shops before expiring of the deadline.

Afterward, a large quantity of tobacco products worth Rs 15,000 seized by the outfit were set on fire in front of the people.

Comment