Aizawl, February 10: The Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) General Headquarters on Tuesday launched a state-wide awareness campaign titled ‘Gutkha Do’ at Treasury Square in Aizawl, reaffirming its commitment to combating the sale and consumption of gutkha and other harmful tobacco products in Mizoram.
 |
| MHIP members stage a ‘Gutkha Do’ awareness protest in Aizawl, holding placards against gutkha products and highlighting their harmful impact on public health. (Image: DD Mizoram) |
The campaign was formally launched through a public awareness programme attended by MHIP leaders, members, and supporters. Holding placards and banners carrying anti-gutkha messages, participants highlighted the health risks associated with tobacco consumption and called for stronger community action against the growing use of such products.
Addressing the gathering, MHIP President Pi Lalliani expressed concern over the increasing availability and consumption of gutkha and similar tobacco-based products in the state. She said products such as Shikhar and other smokeless tobacco items have caused significant harm to individuals and families, particularly affecting the younger generation. According to her, these substances are not only highly addictive but also pose serious health risks, including oral cancer, dental diseases, heart-related ailments, and other long-term health complications.
The MHIP president reiterated the organisation’s firm opposition to the import, distribution, and sale of gutkha products in Mizoram. She appealed to wholesalers, distributors, agents, and retailers to immediately stop bringing such products into the state and urged shopkeepers in both urban and rural areas to voluntarily refrain from selling them.
ALSO READ: MPSC Declares Civil Services 2025 Results: Lalremsiama Darchhun Secures First Rank
As part of the awareness drive, MHIP leaders and volunteers visited several shops and commercial establishments across Aizawl. During the visits, they distributed written appeals and informational materials outlining the harmful effects of gutkha consumption and encouraging traders to support the campaign by discontinuing sales of such products.
MHIP stated that the primary objective of the ‘Gutkha Do’ campaign is to safeguard public health and protect young people from falling into addiction. The organisation emphasised that addressing the issue requires collective efforts from communities, business owners, civil society organisations, and government authorities.
The women’s organisation further called upon the public to actively participate in the movement and support initiatives aimed at creating a healthier and tobacco-free Mizoram. MHIP expressed hope that increased awareness and cooperation would help reduce the availability of harmful tobacco products and contribute to the overall well-being of society.
