Sukhu leads anti-chitta walkathon in Mandi

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday, 13 November, led an anti-chitta awareness walkathon in Mandi, urging the youth to unite against drug abuse. The walkathon began at Paddal Ground and returned to the same point after passing through the bus stand and Seri Manch, with students and residents participating. Sukhu administered the anti-chitta pledge and said the government was taking sustained action against the drug trade but that enforcement alone could not eliminate the menace.

Sukhu said 22 properties built on government land had been vacated and demolished, and assets worth Rs 92 crore, allegedly acquired through illegal drug activities, had been seized during the present government’s tenure. He appealed to people to share credible information through the toll-free number 112 and said provisions existed to reward those providing accurate information. The Tribune reported that the campaign, launched nearly a year ago, had received support in Shimla, Dharamsala, Hamirpur, Una and Bilaspur.

Hindustan Times added that Sukhu also laid the foundation stone of a District Library building in Mandi, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 6.55 crore. “There is no place in Himachal Pradesh for those who sell chitta,” Sukhu said, according to both outlets.