₹92 crore worth of assets acquired through drug trafficking seized; government to constitute 1,000-member Anti-Chitta Volunteer Force
Munish Sood
Mandi
Sending out a strong message against the growing menace of chitta (synthetic drugs), thousands of students, young people and citizens joined hands in Mandi on Thursday as Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu led a massive Anti-Chitta Awareness Walkathon, calling for collective action to protect Himachal Pradesh’s youth from drug addiction.
The walkathon began at the historic Paddal Ground, proceeded towards the bus stand and Seri Manch before returning to Paddal, drawing enthusiastic participation from students, government officials, public representatives and residents from different parts of the district. The Chief Minister administered an anti-drug pledge to participants and urged them to become active stakeholders in the campaign for a drug-free Himachal.
Addressing the gathering at Paddal Ground, Sukhu said the state government was pursuing a zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking and would not spare those involved in destroying the lives of young people for monetary gains. He emphasised that while the police and government agencies were intensifying enforcement, the fight against drugs could only succeed through the active participation of society.
Highlighting the action taken against drug networks, the Chief Minister said properties worth ₹92 crore allegedly acquired through illegal drug trafficking had been seized during the present government’s tenure. In addition, 22 properties constructed on government land had been vacated and demolished as part of the crackdown.
He said the police were taking stringent action against drug traffickers within the framework of law and that the anti-chitta campaign was gradually evolving into a mass movement across the state.
Calling upon parents, teachers, panchayats, women’s groups, youth clubs and community organisations to join the campaign, Sukhu urged young people not to remain silent if they witnessed drug-related activities. He asked citizens to share credible information with authorities through the emergency toll-free number 112. The government, he added, had also made provisions to reward individuals providing reliable information about drug traffickers.
Focus on prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation
The Chief Minister said the government’s strategy was based on three key pillars — awareness and prevention, strict legal action against drug traffickers, and rehabilitation of those affected by addiction.
He stressed that young people battling addiction should be treated as victims requiring support and rehabilitation rather than simply being labelled criminals. At the same time, those operating drug networks and exploiting vulnerable youth would face stringent legal consequences.
Sukhu reiterated that the government was committed to protecting the future of Himachal’s youth and would not allow the state to surrender to the threat of chitta.
Recalling the journey of the anti-chitta campaign, he said it was launched with a commitment to unite society against drugs. Thousands had taken to the streets of Shimla on November 5, 2025, followed by similar mobilisations in Dharamshala on December 1, Hamirpur on December 16 and Bilaspur on December 26. A year later, Mandi had witnessed the same spirit of determination and public participation.
Praising the enthusiasm of students who travelled from remote areas to participate, the Chief Minister said their involvement had added strength to the campaign.
District library building gets foundation stone
During the visit, Sukhu also laid the foundation stone for a district library building to be constructed in Mandi at an estimated cost of ₹6.55 crore.
MLAs Anil Sharma, Chandrashekhar and Suresh Kumar, former ministers Kaul Singh Thakur, Rangila Ram Rao and Prakash Chaudhary, former CPS Sohan Lal Thakur, DGP Ashok Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and several other political representatives and senior officials were present on the occasion.
