Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, on Tuesday, led an Anti-Chitta Awareness Walkathon in Hamirpur, giving fresh momentum to the state government’s campaign against the deadly synthetic drug that has emerged as a serious threat to the youth.
The walkathon marked a strong public assertion of the government’s resolve to eliminate chitta and dismantle the networks behind its spread.
The walkathon commenced from Government Senior Secondary School (Boys), Hamirpur, and concluded at the Police Lines Dosadka Ground. It witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, public representatives, government officials and citizens from all walks of life.
Before the start of the event, the Chief Minister administered a solemn oath at the school ground, where participants pledged to collectively work towards making Himachal Pradesh drug-free.
Addressing the gathering at the concluding venue, the Chief Minister said the state was engaged in a decisive and uncompromising battle against chitta.
He described the drug as a “termite” eating away at the social fabric and future of the youth, and asserted that strict and decisive action was underway to uproot it from its roots.
He said traffickers, suppliers, and those shielding the narcotics trade were under the police radar and would face the full force of the law.
The Chief Minister said the government had launched a comprehensive offensive using advanced technology, a strengthened intelligence network and stringent legal provisions to dismantle organised narcotics cartels.
He underlined that this was not merely a law enforcement drive but a mass movement requiring active participation from society to protect Himachal’s identity and values.
Highlighting major achievements of the campaign, he said that on 22 November, the police conducted simultaneous raids at 121 locations across the state, dealing a significant blow to top traffickers.
This was followed by intensive checking drives in 51 educational institutions and around 598 shops, markets and areas near colleges, leading to the registration of 12 NDPS cases and issuance of 385 challans, he added.
He further informed that 16 notorious traffickers were arrested simultaneously on 7 December under the PIT and NDPS Acts, taking the total number of arrests to 63 so far.
As many as 1,214 traffickers and suspects have been identified, while 950 illegal properties have been earmarked for action.
Assets worth over Rs 50 crore have been seized under the NDPS Act, a sharp increase compared to the previous government’s tenure.
The Chief Minister said the government was also focusing on rehabilitation, with new de-addiction centres being established and a dedicated Drug De-addiction, Prevention and Rehabilitation Board being set up. He stressed that addicted youth were being rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
He announced rewards ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 10 lakh for informers providing credible information about chitta suppliers, assuring complete confidentiality and protection.
Calling upon the people to join the fight, he said serving the nation was the duty of every citizen.
During the walkathon, the Chief Minister interacted with children, urging them to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drugs. Awareness messages were conveyed through slogans, placards and cultural programmes presented by the Police Department.
He appreciated the police and participants for making the event a success.