No Leniency for Chitta Traffickers, Government Committed to Protecting Youth: CM Sukhu.
Chief Minister leads anti-chitta awareness walkathon in Mandi; properties worth Rs. 92 crore acquired through drug trafficking seized.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday led an anti-chitta awareness walkathon in Mandi, calling upon the people of Himachal Pradesh, particularly the youth, to unite against drug abuse and actively contribute towards making the state drug-free. He asserted that the state government would show no leniency towards those involved in the illegal drug trade and was committed to protecting the future of the younger generation.
The walkathon commenced from Paddal Ground, proceeded towards the Bus Stand and Seri Manch, and returned to Paddal Ground. A large number of students and local residents from different parts of the district participated enthusiastically. On the occasion, the Chief Minister administered the anti-chitta pledge to participants and urged them to remain vigilant and actively support the campaign against drug abuse.
Addressing a public gathering at Paddal Ground, Sukhu said the state government was taking strict and continuous action against drug traffickers and those involved in the chitta trade. He emphasised that the menace of drugs could not be eliminated through government and police action alone and required the collective participation of every section of society.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that there is no place in Himachal Pradesh for those who sell chitta and destroy the lives of our youth for money,” the Chief Minister said.
He reiterated that the government had adopted a firm policy against drug traffickers and that strict legal action was being taken against those involved in the illegal trade.
Properties worth Rs. 92 crore seized
Highlighting the action taken against drug networks, the Chief Minister said that during the tenure of the present government, 22 properties constructed on government land had been vacated and demolished. In addition, assets worth Rs. 92 crore, allegedly acquired through illegal drug-related activities, had been seized so far.
He said the police were continuously acting against chitta networks and drug traffickers within the framework of the law. The government was not limiting its efforts to enforcement measures but was also working to transform the anti-chitta campaign into a people’s movement.
Calling for collective responsibility, Sukhu said that the fight against drugs required the active participation of mothers, fathers, teachers, panchayats, Mahila Mandals, Yuva Mandals and, most importantly, the youth.
“Today, I am entrusting this responsibility to the youth of the state,” he said, urging young people to become active partners in the campaign and help protect society from the growing menace of drug abuse.
People urged to report drug trafficking on 112
The Chief Minister appealed to people not to remain silent if they witnessed the sale of chitta or any other drug-related activity. He urged them to immediately share credible information with the authorities through the emergency toll-free number 112.
He also informed that the state government had made provisions to reward individuals who provide accurate and reliable information about drug traffickers.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the future of young people, Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh would not allow itself to be defeated by the threat of chitta and that the administration would continue its efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
Anti-chitta campaign gaining public support
Recalling the journey of the anti-chitta campaign, the Chief Minister said it had been launched nearly a year ago with the objective of bringing society together against drug abuse.
He said thousands of people had participated in an anti-drug march in Shimla on November 5, 2025, raising their voices against the growing menace. The campaign subsequently received strong public support in Dharamshala on December 1, Hamirpur on December 16 and Una on September 16, 2026.
Similarly, thousands of people had participated in an anti-chitta walkathon in Bilaspur on December 26 last year, demonstrating their collective resolve to fight drug abuse.
Sukhu said that nearly a year after the launch of the campaign, the same spirit of commitment and unity was visible in Mandi. He appreciated the enthusiasm of participants, particularly students who had travelled from remote areas of the district to take part in the walkathon.
Foundation stone of Rs. 6.55 crore District Library laid
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone of the District Library building in Mandi, which will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 6.55 crore.
The new library building is expected to strengthen educational infrastructure and provide improved reading and learning facilities to students and other readers in the district.
