Go After the Chitta Mafia, Not the Victims,” Citizens Tell Govt
Shimla, November 15 —
What began as an Anti-Chitta Awareness Walkathon on the Ridge today turned into a loud public demand for uncompromising action against the drug mafia that has seeped deep into Himachal’s hills.
Organised by the Rotary Club Shimla, in collaboration with Himachal Pradesh Police and HFADA (Himachal Forum Against Drug Abuse), the rally saw thousands—from schoolchildren to senior citizens—marching from the Ridge to Chaura Maidan, shouting slogans that cut straight to the issue:
“Stop shielding suppliers, catch the smugglers!” “Victims need treatment—dealers need jail!”
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, reaffirming the government’s resolve, said,
“This is not a one-day event. It will be a sustained, continuous campaign in Himachal. We will intensify our fight, and those who trade in chitta will not be spared.”
But citizens demanded that the campaign also shift focus from punishing addicts to using their knowledge to dismantle the real network.
A college student who lost his friend to chitta said,
“Victims know the peddlers, the drop-points, the online channels. Use them as informers and approvers. That’s the only way to bust the supply chains, both online and offline.”
A mother from New Shimla, whose son spent months in rehab, added:
“Treat the addicts; don’t chase them. Take their help to reach the suppliers. My son can tell you who sold it to him. Why is that man still walking free?”
Participants repeatedly questioned why big suppliers and inter-state smugglers still operate despite the loud political and administrative declarations of “strict action.”
A shopkeeper from Lower Bazaar summed up the growing frustration:
“Without breaking the top chain, nothing will change. Catch the masterminds who fund, supply and run the racket. We’re tired of speeches.”
Rotary leaders—including Assistant Governor Rtn. Manu Agarwal, President Rtn. Karan Bamba, Vice-President Rtn. Amit Pal Sood, Immediate Past President Rtn. Er. Saurabh Raj Sood, President-Elect Rtn. Arjun Goyal, Past President Rtn. Sachin Verma, Rtn. Manik Verma, and Rtn. Karan Sharma—joined citizens in demanding a smarter, stronger, and more targeted fight.Here is the paragraph in English:
Himachal Homestay Association Joins Anti-Chitta Walkathon
The Himachali Homestay Association participated in the Anti-Chitta Walkathon today with 32 members taking part. Association President Tanuja Dhanta said, “We have sent out a clear message to stop chitta and raise awareness against this menace.
The safety of homestay stakeholders and the families who run homestays from their homes is our top priority. Protecting society from drugs is the responsibility of every citizen.”
CM Sukhu Announces Key Measures in Statewide Anti-Chitta Drive:
Zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking across Himachal Pradesh.
PIT-NDPS Act already implemented to jail repeated offenders involved in drug trafficking.
New laws enacted with stringent provisions:
Death penalty and life imprisonment for organized drug crimes
Fines up to ₹10 lakh
Seizure of property of drug traffickers
Three-point strategy of the government:
1. Awareness against drugs
2. Strict action against drug mafias; strengthening law-enforcement agencies
3. Rehabilitation of youth trapped in addiction, treating them as patients, not criminals
1,000 Anti-Chitta Volunteers to be formed soon to act as public–police interface.
Police directed to identify drug users and drug mafias at the panchayat level—work completed.
Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation Board constituted.
New chapter on drug awareness to be added to school curriculum.
Schools to act as centres of values and safety, not just educational spaces.
CM reiterated that Chitta-free Himachal will be pursued as a continuous, state-wide people’s movement, not a one-day event.
Warned drug peddlers: “Mend your ways or face stern action. Our police, our government, and our people are ready to root out Chitta.”
A drug-free Himachal will be possible only when victims become allies, and the suppliers—online and offline—are crushed without fear or favour.
But a student from DAV was injured when a hoarding collapsed on his head. He was rushed to IGMC, but exposed mismanagement of the organizers. There was stampede like situation on The Ridge as no one knows who will walk where.
#ChittaFreeHimachal #WarOnDrugs #StopDrugMafia #HimachalSpeaks #BreakTheSupplyChain
