Mizoram Highest Tobacco Consumer in India

Aizawl, May 27 : More than 20% Mizo smokers have kicked out the habit in the past one decade, raising hopes that Mizoram will shake off the ignominy of being the topper among states in tobacco consumption.

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

Jane Ralte, programme officer of MSTC, said that 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 still smoked, 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 and 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 for 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 to others, while as many as 10.3 per cent of them did not believe in it.