Mizoram Moves Towards 'Smoke-Free State'

Aizawl, Feb 11 : Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said here the state was slowly moving towards becoming a "smoke-free state".

''The state government is giving full support to the anti-tobacco organisations and activists to strictly enforce the Control of Tobacco Products Act in the state,'' Lal Thanhawla said while distributing prizes of song-writing competition against tobacco consumption.

Recollecting how a few activists had started an anti-tobacco campaign in Mizoram around 20 years back, the Chief Minister said, ''During those days, the anti-tobacco activists were a laughing stock and people used to mock at them.'' ''Now, their tireless efforts have begun to see positive results.

Gradually, the people have realised the ill-effects of tobacco. This is because it is a God-sided programme,'' he added.

Interestingly, the one, who spearheaded anti-tobacco campaign in Mizoram for the past 20 years, is none other than the Chief Minister’s wife Lal Riliani. She, along with few others, introduced the 'Indian Society on Tobacco Health' to the people of Mizoram 20 years back.

According to officials, more than 20 per cent Mizo smokers have kicked the habit in the past few years, raising hopes that Mizoram will shake off the dubious distinction of being the topper in tobacco consumption in the country.

A survey conducted by the Mizoram State Tobacco Control Society has revealed that more and more smokers are of late kicking the habit.

Jane Ralte, programme officer of MSTC, said the survey, conducted among 2,500 people above 18 years of age in the eight districts of Mizoram, found that as much as 73.1 per cent of the smokers wanted to quit smoking.

The survey reveals that while 55 per cent were still adhering to their smoking habit, 45 per cent are non-smokers or who had quit the habit.

As many as 50.8 per cent of the smokers said they did not find any enjoyment in smoking, while 37.5 per cent still do.

Around 84.2 per cent admitted that their expenditure on cigarettes was a financial burden. At least 10.6 per cent said no to it and 5.2 per cent could not give an answer.

The survey also revealed that a whopping 89.60 per cent agreed that smoking was harmful to health, but 6.80 per cent did not think so and 3.60 per cent did not offer opinion.

In all 85.3 per cent are also aware that passive smoking is equally harmful while as many as 10.3 per cent of them opposed it.