The North News
Hamirpur, December 17
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said his government is determined to dismantle drug trafficking networks and eliminate the spread of “chitta”, a synthetic narcotic that has severely affected the state’s youth. Leading an anti-chitta awareness walkathon in Hamirpur, Sukhu described the campaign as more than a policing exercise, calling it a people’s movement aimed at safeguarding the social fabric and identity of Himachal Pradesh. The walkathon began at the Government Senior Secondary School (Boys) in Hamirpur and concluded at the Police Lines Dosadka Ground, drawing students, officials, public representatives and civil society members.
Before the march, participants took an oath pledging to work collectively to rid the state of drugs. Addressing the gathering at the conclusion, the chief minister said Himachal Pradesh was engaged in a decisive battle against chitta, warning that traffickers, suppliers and those protecting them would face uncompromising action.
Sukhu said the state had intensified its crackdown using advanced technology, strengthened intelligence networks and strict legal provisions. He pointed to a series of coordinated operations, including simultaneous raids at 121 locations across the state on 22 November, followed by checks at educational institutions and markets near colleges. These operations led to multiple arrests, NDPS cases and hundreds of challans.
According to the government, 16 alleged traffickers were arrested on 7 December under the NDPS and PIT-NDPS Acts, taking the total number of arrests to 63 so far. Authorities have identified more than 1,200 suspects and earmarked 950 illegal properties for action. Assets worth over ₹50 crore have been seized, a sharp increase compared with the previous government’s record, Sukhu said.
The chief minister also stressed rehabilitation as a key pillar of the strategy. New de-addiction centres are being set up across the state, alongside a dedicated Drug De-addiction, Prevention and Rehabilitation Board to coordinate treatment, prevention and community outreach.
He announced rewards ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹10 lakh for informers providing credible information on drug suppliers, assuring full confidentiality and protection. Meetings of drug de-addiction committees have also been held in more than 230 of the most affected panchayats and urban local bodies to strengthen grassroots participation. During the walkathon, Sukhu interacted with students, urging them to spread awareness about the health and social dangers of drug abuse. Police-led cultural programmes and public displays reinforced the anti-drug message.
Senior ministers, legislators, police officials and civil society representatives attended the event.
