Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 29: National Conference today expressed deep sorrow over the increased cases of suicide in Kashmir, saying the unfortunate trend is emblematic of distress found in the people of Kashmir due to the complex problems which have pestered Kashmir since 2019.
In a statement issued today, additional general secretary of the party Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal said it is distressing to hear about people taking such drastic steps. The unfortunate trend, he said is an ultimate sign of the distress, the people of Kashmir are undergoing.
“Every now and then an attempt to suicide is foiled; many such attempts have resulted in loss of precious lives. Various spots in valley, especially the bridges and river sides have become hot spots of such drastic incidents. The spike in the psychiatric morbidity has created a deep sense of unease in the society,” he said.
In most of the cases, Dr Kamal said the reason behind such drastic steps undertaken by people especially the youth is the financial distress, reduced income, unemployment, job losses and other compound issues which have aggravated in wake of the prevalent uncertainty and political void. The inadequate mental health care facilities, counseling centers, and failure of the religious and community leaders to rise up to the occasion has made such distressed people more vulnerable to psychological morbidity, he added.
“Failure of the incumbent administration to deliver on its promise to provide jobs to youth in both private and public sector has further compounded the scenario. The sluggish requirement process that has marred the PSC, JKSSB and other recruitment agencies is also one of the factors that have traumatized the educated and skilled youth of ours,” he said.
Kamal said the issue needs to be addressed by making some changes at policy level as well. “The requirement process which has been marred by inordinate delays should be accelerated. Government should also consider doling out monthly allowances to unemployed youth. A sustenance package for people involved in handicraft, tourism, travel, transport, labor and other unorganized sectors will go a long way in assuaging the distressed people,” he said.
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