Thousands March with Chief Minister in ‘Mega Walkathon’; Pledge to Make Himachal ‘Chitta-Mukt’
Vishal Rana, Hamirpur
In a powerful display of political will and public resolve, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today led a massive rally and ‘Mega Walkathon’ (public address) here, spearheading the state government’s aggressive campaign to eradicate heroin, locally known as ‘Chitta’, from the hill state.
The Chief Minister, in a rare show of grassroots mobilization, personally joined thousands of students and citizens in a spirited 3-kilometer Walkathon that culminated in a mass vow to eliminate the drug menace “root and branch.”
The event began at the Bal School playground, where CM Sukhu administered an oath to a sea of young students, urging them to lead the charge for a drug-free future. He then marched shoulder-to-shoulder with the public through key town landmarks—Bus Stand, Nadaun Chowk, Gandhi Chowk—before addressing a mammoth gathering at the Dosarka Police Ground.
Addressing the crowd of nearly 15-20000 people, Chief Minister Sukhu issued a stern warning and a heartfelt appeal. “Chitta is ensnaring our youth, our future. As the son of this soil, the responsibility to save this generation is mine. We will build a ‘Chitta-Mukt Himachal’, no matter what it takes,” he declared.
Outlining his government’s action plan, Sukhu announced a strict crackdown on drug peddlers and their networks. “Those involved in this dirty trade have built big hotels and buildings with their blood money. Action will be taken against all such properties,” he asserted.
He called for active public collaboration, directing citizens to use the emergency number 112 to report any drug-related activity, with promises of reward and assured confidentiality. “This is not just a government’s fight; it is every family’s fight,” he emphasized.
Highlighting a unified political stance, the CM noted that the opposition had also extended support for the cause. He detailed concrete steps being taken, including the strengthening of the NDPS Act, the formation of anti-drug Task Forces in 235 panchayats, and geo-mapping of drug-prone areas for targeted action. “Arrests and seizures are happening daily. The net is tightening,” he stated.
The historic rally was attended by Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, local MLA Suresh Kumar, Sujanpur MLA Capt. (Retd.) Ranjit Singh Rana,Dr. Purspendra Verma along with prominent Congress leaders and workers, showcasing a collective front against the common enemy.
Today’s Mega Walkathon in Hamirpur transcends a mere political event. It marks the crystallization of a statewide people’s movement, with the Chief Minister positioning himself as its lead campaigner. It sends an unequivocal message that the government is waging a total war on narcotics, combining stringent enforcement with community mobilization to reclaim Himachal’s youth and its future. The march in Hamirpur may have concluded, but the long march towards a drug-free Himachal has just gained its most decisive momentum.