SHIMLA: In an electrifying display of solidarity, thousands of youth, women, and senior citizens took to The Ridge of Shimla today, vowing to eradicate the drug scourge.
The half marathon, organized by the Himachal Pradesh Police, transformed the capital’s iconic Ridge into a battleground of determination against drugs.
From schoolchildren to university students, the event saw a massive turnout, with participants running to spread the message of a drug-free Himachal.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, flanked by Director General of Police (DGP) and other top-ranking officers, DC Shimla Anupam Kashyap, SP Shimla Sanjeev Gandhi, flagged off the event, urging citizens to step up and fight the drug menace head-on.
The Governor administered a collective oath, with every participant raising their hands and pledging to never touch drugs and work tirelessly to rid their Himachal of the narcotics plague.
"This overwhelming participation proves that our youth and citizens are ready to take a stand," said Governor Shukla.
"With the Himachal Pradesh Police, we will take this movement to every panchayat, every school, and every corner of the state. We cannot afford to let this Dev Bhoomi be stained by drugs. The time to act is now."
In the presence of senior officers and the DGP, Governor Shukla emphasized the critical role of the police and administration in this fight.
"The police are working relentlessly, but we need the active participation of every citizen. If you see something illegal, speak up. No one is above the law," he declared.
Responding to media, he highlighted the importance of community engagement, saying, "This is not just a law enforcement issue. It’s a social movement. Together, we can put an end to the menace that is destroying families and futures."
The marathon wasn’t just a race but a rallying cry against drugs, with senior citizens and local dignitaries also showing their support.
"We take an oath today, not just for ourselves, but for future generations. We will not only stay away from drugs but also ensure that traffickers and pushers have no place in our society," added Shukla, as he signed the anti-drug signature campaign launched by the police department.
With the Ridge packed with people and energy, Himachal Pradesh’s message to the world was clear: the fight for a drug-free state has begun, and it’s a battle the people of Himachal intend to win.
"We pledge to keep Himachal clean of drugs, to work with the police, and to ensure no trafficker goes unnoticed," echoed the crowd, as the marathon drew to a close, but the mission continues.
