Is Himachal CM Leading a Public Movement Against 'Chitta'?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Formation of 1,000 Anti-Chitta Volunteers to connect with the community.
- A collective fight against chitta to ensure no safe haven for drug traffickers.
- Emphasis on awareness and education about the dangers of drug abuse.
- Call for women’s involvement in the movement.
- Implementation of a zero-tolerance policy towards drug offenses.
Shimla, Nov 15 (NationPress) Announcing the establishment of a team of 1,000 Anti-Chitta Volunteers to serve as a connection between the police and the community, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday initiated a public campaign against 'chitta', a form of low-grade heroin, signaling the onset of a pivotal battle statewide.
By spearheading the 'Chitta-Virodh' awareness walkathon in the state capital, which involved students, public officials, and local residents, the Chief Minister led an oath ceremony at the Ridge, encouraging attendees to avoid drugs and addictive substances.
In his address to the crowd, the Chief Minister emphasized that the state would tackle the 'chitta' crisis as a united front.
He pointed out that community involvement would guarantee that drug traffickers could not find refuge.
"This initiative aims to eradicate drug kingpins and dealers," he stated.
"A chitta-free Himachal is not just a government endeavor but a movement by the people," he added.
"This is a united struggle against drugs, demanding collaborative efforts from everyone. Himachal's fight against drugs should resonate not only across our mountains but throughout the nation," he remarked.
CM Sukhu urged women, particularly mothers, to play a crucial role in driving the movement, asserting that women can significantly impact societal awakening and become the backbone of this initiative.
He also called on religious organizations to vocally oppose drug abuse.
"If all religious bodies unite against chitta, we will undeniably overcome this menace," he declared.
In a firm warning, the Chief Minister stated that those involved in the 'chitta' trade, which devastates children’s futures and families, will find no sanctuary in the land of the gods.
"Our police force is prepared, our government is committed, and importantly, our populace is ready to eliminate chitta," he affirmed.
He expressed the aspiration to create a state where 'chitta' becomes a relic of the past, never to be referenced in its historical narrative again.
The Chief Minister remarked, "Chitta is quietly undermining our culture, our values, and the prospects of our children. A robust public movement has now been launched to eradicate this affliction."
He outlined the government's strategy focused on three key areas to combat drugs: enhancing awareness about drug dangers, preventing youth from falling prey to addiction through stringent actions against drug dealers, and ensuring rehabilitation for children ensnared in addiction.
He acknowledged that addicted youth are not criminals but individuals in need of treatment, care, and support.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government's zero-tolerance policy towards drugs.
"No one engaged in this trade will evade justice, regardless of their influence. Immediately upon assuming office, the government enacted the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act to incarcerate repeat offenders involved in drug trafficking," he concluded.