IMPHAL, May 31: The World No Tobacco Day was observed on Saturday in the state at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) hall which was jointly organised by the Health Education, Bureau, Medical Directorate and IMA, Manipur State Branch under the theme “Raise Taxes on Tobacco”.
Meanwhile, the Nehru Yuva Kendra Thoubal also observed the day at the Conference Hall of NYK, Mini Secretariat, Thoubal. District Social Welfare Officer of Thoubal, Th. Nilakumar Singh and Veterinary and Animal Husbandry joint director of Thoubal Dr. Abdul Halim Sheikh were the chief guest and president respectively.
District Youth Coordinator of Nehru Yuva Kendra Y. Laskman Singh highlighted the harmful effects of tobacco use to the health, family and the society at large in his keynote address
There is considerable reduction of smoking openly in public places, office, transport etc. However, the ever increasing rate of using other forms of tobacco such as chewing jarda pan, talab, khaini among the youths and women has been a serious concern in the state of Manipur, he said.
Dr. Abdul Halim Sheikh advised the youths and the women to avoid all tobacco products.
“Banning sale of tobacco products will not bring any tangible solutiuon to the problem. The women should come forward to fight against the menace. The health, vigor and potential of a chain smoker will definitely decrease compare to the health condition of a non smoker,” he said.
Th. Nilakumar Singh stated that family has a big role in preventing tobacco. The social and cultural pattern of serving pan and tobacco products in the social and ritual functions should be reduce so that the youths may not be exposed to the habit, he added.
