In rare show of unity, BJP, Congress lead joint protest against 'chitta' in Dharamsala assembly

In a rare show of unity, the Congress Legislature Party led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and BJP legislators headed by Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur jointly staged a protest against the menace of chitta on the Himachal Pradesh Assembly premises on Friday.

Chief Minister Sukhu, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and LoP Jai Ram Thakur called for a collective effort across party lines to combat the growing drug crisis.

“This is not a matter of politics. Lives are at risk, and we must work together,” the Chief Minister said. He added that the government was preparing a comprehensive action plan to curb chitta, including holding gram sabha meetings in every panchayat and offering rewards to individuals who provide credible information on drug networks.

Deputy CM Agnihotri said anti-drug rallies had already been held in Shimla and Dharamsala and emphasized the need for coordinated action. “I will speak to the Leader of the Opposition immediately. We must move together on this issue,” he said.

The Chief Minister further stated that along with large-scale arrests, the state was also focusing on rehabilitation. “Properties of offenders are being attached. Enforcement and rehabilitation will go hand in hand,” he said.