Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari a 1993-batch IPS officer addressed students at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Hamirpur on September 14, urging them to actively participate in the Chief Minister-led Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan aimed at combating drug abuse across the state.
Speaking at the NIT auditorium, Tewari emphasised that the campaign, launched on November 15, 2025, should not remain limited to the government or police. Instead, he called for a wider people-led movement involving students, parents, teachers and communities.
DGP Calls for Youth Participation in Anti-Chitta Campaign
Addressing undergraduate and postgraduate students, Tewari said the Chief Minister’s call is directed at every young person in Himachal Pradesh to join the Jan Andolan against chitta.
He urged students to use their energy, ideas and voice to help protect their friends and contribute to the future of the state.
The DGP stressed that the police will continue strong enforcement against drug traffickers, but said the larger fight against drug abuse requires active participation from society.
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Ashok Tewari Makes Personal Appeal to Students
Tewari connected with the students by recalling his own days as an engineering student.
He told the gathering that, for the duration of his interaction, students should not view him only as a police officer or DGP, but as someone who had travelled further along the path they are now beginning.
He encouraged students to continue learning, explore new opportunities and make the most of their educational journey.
The DGP also assured students that the Himachal Pradesh Police would support young people in their efforts and aspirations.
Lady Constable Nikita Urges Students to Protect Their Peers
Lady Constable Nikita, 25, also addressed the students and delivered a message focused on peer support and responsibility.
She urged students to:
- Protect themselves from drug abuse
- Look after their friends
- Speak up when they see a problem
- Avoid stigmatising people struggling with drug-related issues
- Report those involved in the sale of chitta
Nikita emphasised that people facing drug problems should not be subjected to gossip or social stigma. Instead, students should encourage them to seek help.
At the same time, she stressed that those involved in selling chitta must face firm legal action.
Police Enforcement Must Be Supported by Society
The DGP said police agencies remain committed to taking action against drug traffickers, but enforcement alone cannot eliminate the problem.
He called for cooperation among:
- Students and young people
- Parents
- Teachers
- Educational institutions
- Local communities
- Police and government agencies
According to Tewari, making the anti-drug campaign a genuine Jan Andolan will require people to actively participate rather than remain spectators.
DGP Invites NIT Students to Join Una Campaign
Tewari recalled the Hamirpur Anti-Chitta Walkathon, during which he spent three days at the NIT campus.
He invited NIT Hamirpur students to participate in the upcoming campaign event in Una on September 16.
He suggested that the institute could consider arranging transportation to facilitate student participation in the event.
Students Encouraged to Connect With Himachal Police
Students were also encouraged to use available communication channels to interact with the Himachal Pradesh Police and report concerns.
These include:
- Emergency helpline 112
- Police social media platforms
- Police WhatsApp channel
The DGP encouraged young people to remain alert and communicate information that could help authorities address drug-related activities.
NIT Hamirpur and Police May Collaborate on Technology
Tewari also proposed strengthening institutional cooperation between NIT Hamirpur and the Himachal Pradesh Police.
The proposed collaboration could include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions.
Under the proposed partnership, students and faculty could contribute to areas such as:
- Cybercrime
- Technology-based policing
- Innovative policing solutions
- Technology projects for law enforcement
The police, in turn, could provide students with guidance and exposure to career opportunities in the Indian Police Service (IPS), Himachal Pradesh Police Service and other public services.
DGP Says Police Are Part of Society
During his interaction, Tewari also spoke about the relationship between the police and the wider community.
He said the police are not separate from society and acknowledged that while the department performs many functions well, mistakes can also occur.
He emphasised the importance of having the humility to recognise and correct mistakes.
The DGP concluded his interaction with a direct appeal to students to become active partners in the anti-chitta movement.
He urged them to contribute their energy, ideas and voice to protect their friends, their generation and the future of Himachal Pradesh.
Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan Seeks People-Led Response
The interaction at NIT Hamirpur highlighted the Himachal Pradesh government’s broader effort to involve young people and communities in tackling drug abuse.
The Anti-Chitta Jan Andolan, launched in November 2025, is being positioned as a community-driven campaign in which enforcement by police is complemented by awareness, peer support, institutional cooperation and public participation.
Tewari’s message to NIT students was that the success of the campaign depends not only on government action but also on young people taking responsibility and becoming active participants in the fight against drug abuse.
