Women take to night patrol in HP’s Bilaspur

Himachal Pradesh is grappling with the spread of dangerous drugs such as chitta, which has claimed many young lives

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

In the dead of winter nights, groups of women step out of their cosy homes in Leghat village of Bilaspur district here, holding torches and wielding sticks, to patrol the silent streets. In their crosshairs are gangs trafficking adulterated heroin, known locally as chitta.

Laghat village, which falls under the Bilaspur Sadar Assembly segment, connects the Bairi Rajadian panchayat with the Barmana industrial area. The area sees heavy vehicular movement round-the-clock, making it an easy transit route for drug peddlers, the women said.

Braving the biting cold, the women patrol village streets in small groups, keeping a close watch on movement during night hours. Suspected persons are questioned, close vigil is kept on passersby, and any unusual activity is reported to the police.

The patrol groups comprise women aged between 25 and 50, all members of the Laghat Mahila Mandal. They are on the roads every night, determined to protect their children from the growing menace of drugs.