In a powerful display of resolve against the narcotics menace, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday personally led a massive anti-chitta awareness walkathon in Dharamshala. The event saw enthusiastic participation from a large number of school children and citizens from all walks of life, uniting for a common cause: a drug-free Himachal.
A Walk for a Drug-Free Future
The walkathon commenced from Dari Ground, with the air ringing with anti-drug slogans. Students and other participants carried placards bearing strong messages advocating for a state free from the scourge of drugs. The procession, which was joined by the Chief Minister for its entire stretch, culminated at the Dharamshala police ground. Throughout the walk, Sukhu interacted with the children, encouraging them to become active soldiers in the war against chitta, a local term for synthetic drugs.
Addressing a huge gathering at the police ground, the Chief Minister issued a stern warning to the drug mafia operating in the state. He declared that drug peddlers would have no place to hide in 'Devbhoomi Himachal' henceforth. Sukhu highlighted that the present state government had effectively implemented the PIT-NDPS Act, which had not been invoked for years prior. Under this stringent law, the authorities have already detained 46 major traffickers.
"Every single rupee earned from drugs will be seized, and we have proven this by confiscating Rs 46 crore worth of illegal property," Sukhu asserted. He vowed that the fight would continue until every trace of chitta is eradicated from Himachal Pradesh, emphasizing that this battle targets the entire network and empire of the drug mafia.
Unified Front and a Shield for the Youth
The Chief Minister positioned himself not just as an administrator but as a protector of the state's future. "Today, I am not here as a chief minister, but as someone carrying a responsibility. I stand here as a shield to protect your future," he told the crowd. He described the anti-chitta drive as a critical battle to safeguard the youth, beyond being just another government campaign.
Sukhu pointed out that the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Special Task Force (STF), police, and departments of education, health, and social justice are all united in this mission. He called upon every citizen to join this collective effort. On the occasion, he also administered an anti-drug pledge to the youth present. A symbolic paraglider landing at the police ground with an anti-chitta message added a unique attraction to the event.
Cash Rewards for Information on Smugglers
To bolster public participation in cracking down on drug networks, the Chief Minister announced a detailed reward scheme for informants. Citizens providing credible information leading to seizures will be financially rewarded based on the quantity of chitta recovered.
- Information leading to seizure of up to 2 grams: Reward of Rs 10,000
- For 5 grams: Reward of Rs 25,000
- For up to 25 grams: Reward of Rs 50,000
- For up to 1 kilogram: Reward of Rs 5 lakh
- For more than 1 kilogram: Reward of Rs 10 lakh
Furthermore, rewards exceeding Rs 5 lakh will be given for information that helps bust major drug networks. The Chief Minister urged people to share such information on the emergency number 112.
In his concluding remarks, Sukhu sent a clear and uncompromising message: "Anyone found selling drugs to our children will land in jail. Their game ends here." The event in Dharamshala marks a significant escalation in the state government's multi-pronged strategy to combat drug abuse through enforcement, public awareness, and community involvement.
