Yikhum Village has become the first tobacco free village in Wokha district of Nagaland. The initiative to make the village free from tobacco (sale of tobacco), was taken up by the Yikhum Baptist Church (YBC) in 2015.
The effort of YBC to eradicate tobacco selling from the village was laudable considering the high risk of harmful effects on tobacco usage, also Nagaland ranks as the 2nd highest tobacco consuming state in India with 57% of the population using tobacco, as per NTCP.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, YBC Pastor Zanbemo Kithan said that the shopkeepers/sellers selling tobacco were a little reluctant when the church leaders first approached them.
He however, said as the time for revival approached almost all the shopkeepers volunteered to respect the church initiative, came out openly and burned their stocked tobacco.
According to Kithan, 13 shops were selling tobacco, but after the declaration six shops completely shut down and took up farming while the remaining continues their business without selling tobacco.
Source: The North East Today
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