Shimla, June 9 -- Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday inaugurated Himachal Pradesh's first women's de-Addiction and rehabilitation centre in Shimla.

He said that the growing problem of drug abuse in state, particularly the use of chitta (heroin), was not merely a law-and-order issue but a serious social, family and humanitarian challenge.

In a statement issued here, Sukhu said that the state government was addressing the problem at an early stage by creating public awareness and taking strict action against drug traffickers.

The centre was the first specialised government facility of its kind in the state for women. It would not only provide treatment but also help women rebuild their lives with dignity. It would offer safe...