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• Against unauthorised donation
• ‘Migrant census’ in WSSU domain
Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 27
The Western Sumi Students Union (WSSU) has called for enforcing the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, especially with regard to the sale of tobacco products near educational institutions.
The union told a press conference in Dimapur on February 27 informing of impending checks and actions in collaboration with the relevant government agencies. WSSU General Secretary, Vitoka N Rochill said that contrary to the COTPA rule, tobacco products are being blatantly sold in shops near educational institutions in the three districts of Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima. The WSSU represents students of the Sumi community from the three districts.
The COTPA prohibits sale of tobacco and tobacco products to minors in an area within a radius of one hundred yards of any educational institution. Rochill asked shop owners to comply with the law or face legal action. “We will be conducting a check in collaboration with the (relevant) department soon. Action will be taken against them, who are found selling,” he said.
The union also addressed the issue of soliciting unauthorised donations by individuals and groups falsely claiming affiliation with Sumi organisations from businesses in Dimapur and Niuland. Rochill informed businesses not to entertain request for donations by Sumi unions or individuals, including Sumi student bodies. He added that the WSSU office remains open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and requested any individual or business owner to report to the WSSU any such activity.
The WSSU had recently initiated an ID registration process for Sumi students and working individuals residing outside Nagaland. He reiterated that this is to create a support network, provide assistance during unforeseen incidents. He added that the registration is done through their respective units.
Earlier, this month, the WSSU had condemned the widespread sale of liquor and the unregulated operation of bars, discos, and lounges in Nagaland, despite the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act of 1989.
WSSU President, Ikato Khulu, wondered if the government agencies are patronising the open sale. “If the NLTP Act cannot be enforced, repeal it. Why is the state government adamant on this matter?” he said.
The issue of the Multi Disciplinary Sports Complex also came up. This time, it was not related to its incomplete status, rather the sports complex turning into a free-for-all, especially youngsters to rendezvous for matters not related to sports. He urged the authorities to check it.
He further informed that the WSSU will be initiating a ‘census of immigrants/migrants’ residing under its jurisdiction as farmers or as tenant farmers. According to him, the WSSU intention is to curb influx of illegal migrants and crime.
