By Okram Bimol
IMPHAL, February 15: Following the state cabinet decision to impose a total ban on the sale and consumption of all tobacco products in the state, the news has been received by many as a positive step towards a healthy society. However, there is also a growing apprehension on whether the state will be able to fully implement the decision in its entirety.
Opinions of pan shops selling tobacco products in the state were varied, with some claiming it as a positive act of the government while many claimed the ban would fizzle out with time.
This reporter visited several paan shops at Keishampat, Waheng Leikai and Masjid Road where wholesale paan-leaf sellers have opened shops and sale outlets, on the pretext of being a customer so to be able to get a ground feel of the public perception regarding the forthcoming ban.
A local pan shop owner at Keishampat was indifferent about the ban, brushing it aside as just another `gimmick` of the government.
She said, “There have been several bans on selling and consumption of tobacco products in the state from student bodies as well as from several underground outfits. Nothing will happen till the source of all tobacco products into the state is cut off.”
Another pan shop owner at Wahengbam Leikai said it would be a cause of worry if indeed the ban became a reality since his family survived on the earnings of his shop where paan and other tobacco products are the highest selling items.
Meanwhile, many non-locals who sell tobacco inside the bazaar areas in Imphal were divided in their opinions regarding the ban.
Some said if in case the government is serious about implementing the ban, they would have to consider having to return to their native states.
They said through selling tobacco products, they have been earning enough to feed themselves and send back money to their families back at their native states. Once the ban comes in place, they would have to close down their shop change their business to some other line.
It may be mentioned that the government ban on the issue has come at a time when tobacco consumption rate amongst the students in the state is at a common feature.
Several tobacco products like the “Talab- a gutkha” has become a much sought after item amongst the youth of the state.
Many students however received the ban with a hope that it will bring down the tobacco consumption rate amongst the students. A group of Little Rose Higher Secondary School, Canchipur students expressed that the government action is a welcome policy and expressed hope that the government would be sincere in implementing it.
It may be mentioned that some years back, several armed groups of the state had placed a complete ban on the sale and consumption of pan and gutkha in the state. However, the ban helped those involved in the business of tobacco products as prices of tobacco products doubled following the ban.