SHILLONG, Dec. 22 -- Consumption of tobacco related products is as alarming in Meghalaya as in neighbouring Assam - where the state government has imposed a ban recently.Public observed that these products have become part and parcel of public lifestyle and should be banned for their harmful effects on life in every state.

Chewable products like gutkha, pan masala and other tobacco items and nicotine has been banned by the Government of Assam on the last week of November and there are opinions from many here that a similar action is required in Meghalaya where the consumption of chewable products is alarming.

According to the last year survey by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Assam is the fourth highest tobacco consumi...