Shillong (Meghalaya), July 22: In a bid to protect public health and reduce tobacco use, the East Khasi Hills Police in Meghalaya have ignited a crackdown on public smoking and illegal tobacco sales near schools and colleges under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. Cantonment Beat House and Lumdiengjri Police Station have led the charge, booking the highest number of violators in this district-wide action.
Every Police Station, Outpost, and Beat House across East Khasi Hills is enforcing the law as part of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), implemented by the Health & Family Welfare Department under the National Health Mission (NHM), Meghalaya. “This campaign is not just about fines—it’s about changing behavior and protecting children, elders, and non-smokers from passive smoke. Our goal is a tobacco-free Meghalaya,” said a senior police official.
Over 1,100 challans were issued, with Rs. 99,280 collected in fines over three months. Tobacco use is responsible for 40% of all cancers and 90% of oral cancers in the region. Dr. Nabneeta D. Mawrie, NTCP State Nodal Officer, emphasizes that eliminating tobacco can save countless lives.
The initiative has public backing—a St. Anthony’s College student says Meghalaya Police are doing a “great job saving lives.”
