Shimla

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday led an anti-chitta awareness walkathon organized in Una and appealed to the people of the state, especially the youth, to actively participate in the decisive fight against drugs.

The walkathon began at Indira Stadium and proceeded towards the new bus stand and concluded at the stadium. A large number of students and common people across the district participated in the event. Earlier, the CM administered the anti-chitta pledge to the participants, urging them to remain vigilant and contribute to the campaign against drugs.

Addressing the gathering, Sukhu said that the state government was taking firm and sustained action against the menace of drugs. However, he emphasized that government and police action alone cannot completely address the problem and active support and cooperation of every section of society was essential.

 "I want to clearly say from the land of Una that there is no place in Himachal for those who sell chitta, destroy the lives of our youth for money," he said, adding that the government’s policy was clear and uncompromising when it comes to those involved in the illegal drug trade. Strict action would be taken against people selling chitta and those involved in drug trafficking, in accordance with the law. At the same time, the government would adopt a compassionate approach towards young people who had already fallen into addiction and extend every possible support to help them recover and return to a normal life.

He stressed that those involved in selling drugs and those struggling with addiction could not be viewed or treated in the same manner. While drug peddlers must face strict legal action, young people caught in the cycle of addiction need support, care and an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Sukhu called for the collective participation of all sections of society, saying, “In this fight, I need the support of every mother, every father, every teacher, every panchayat, every Mahila Mandal, every Yuva Mandal and, most importantly, the youth of Himachal Pradesh. Today, I am giving this responsibility to the youth of the state.”

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, MLAs Sudarshan Bablu, Rakesh Kalia and Vivek Sharma, amongst others were present on the occasion.