Himachal's Aggressive Campaign Against Chitta Smugglers

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a stringent crackdown on chitta smugglers, revealing that anti-chitta testing would now be mandatory for government job applicants and students in professional institutions. The decision followed a recent Narcotics Coordination Committee meeting.

Sukhu highlighted the categorization of panchayats into red, yellow, and green zones based on addiction levels, with special police surveillance underway in 234 highly sensitive areas. 12,000 chitta addicts have been identified, and those involved in chitta activities are barred from panchayat elections this month.

The chief minister also declared that two de-addiction centers for women would be opened, while anti-drug campaign performance indicators will affect officials' reports. Since 2023, the state registered 6,811 NDPS cases, with 10,357 arrests and 45,867 kg of seized substances. Enhanced focus on awareness in schools and strict measures against pharmaceutical companies were also emphasized.

(With inputs from agencies.)