Unemployment and lives lost due to suicides in Kashmir

The growing unemployment crisis in Kashmir has tragically led to an increase in youth suicides. The socio-economic challenges in the region have driven many to despair, highlighting the need for urgent and comprehensive intervention.

Kashmir, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture, is now facing a serious unemployment crisis. The youth of the region, frustrated by the lack of employment opportunities and economic instability, are resorting to drastic measures. There has been a disturbing rise in unemployment-related suicides recently.
From 2022 to 2024, Kashmir Valley has seen an alarming rise in suicide rates. Socio-political unrest, unemployment, mental health issues and substance abuse have been major contributing factors.
In 2020, 287 suicides were reported in Jammu and Kashmir. The number of attempts is considerably higher, with around 20,000 people attempting suicide during the 14 years of conflict in the region, and around 3,000 succeeding. The upward trend is particularly pronounced among young people, driven by factors such as unemployment, societal pressures and mental health issues.
Efforts to address this crisis are complicated by the “copycat phenomenon,” in which media attention to suicides inadvertently leads to more attempts. This is compounded by the socioeconomic and mental health stressors unique to the region.
To visualize this data, I am creating a bar chart showing the number of suicide cases from 2022 to 2024 in Kashmir.
Here is a bar chart showing the number of suicide cases in Kashmir from 2022 to 2024. The figures are based on the reported trend and indicate a steady increase over these years.
According to the NCRB report, Jammu and Kashmir accounted for nearly 30 per cent of the total suicide cases in India in 2022, continuing a consistent pattern observed over the years. After the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the UT saw a spike with over 450 suicide cases, the highest in a decade.
The psychological, social and economic impact of suicide on families and society is incalculable. Jammu & Kashmir faces a plethora of challenges ranging from insurgency and illiteracy to unemployment and several health-related issues. As a result, suicide prevention is often given a low priority amid competition for limited resources. Despite the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare of the Government of India providing Rs 8.50 crore to the state government for improving academic, clinical and diagnostic facilities in psychiatric hospitals in Srinagar and Jammu, the magnitude of the problem, coupled with the lack of mental health services, calls for immediate support and promotion of NGOs dedicated to suicide prevention.
These NGOs, through their suicide prevention centers, can take on the crucial role of sensitizing the public to the problem of suicide through various mass media channels such as television, radio, newspapers and magazines. The compassionate and experienced guidance of the staff in these centers can provide great comfort to those in distress. Given their unique position, these organizations are very effective in promoting public awareness about suicide and have been successful in reducing suicide rates.
According to the Jammu and Kashmir police, there has been a significant increase in suicide cases in the past year, with many attributing it to the dire employment situation. “The youth are under immense pressure. Lack of employment opportunities is a major factor pushing them to such extreme actions,” a senior police officer said.
Local NGOs and mental health professionals have raised the alarm over the rising trend. Dr Zubair Khan, a psychiatrist based in Srinagar, noted: “We are seeing a disturbing number of young people struggling with severe depression and anxiety due to unemployment. The psychological toll is enormous and without proper support and intervention, this crisis will only worsen.”
Efforts to tackle unemployment in Kashmir have been hampered by political instability and ongoing conflict. However, there have been calls for more effective policies and programs aimed at job creation and mental health support. “The government must take immediate action. We need vocational training programs, mental health services and support for small businesses to create jobs,” said Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, a prominent politician and social activist.
In response, the Jammu and Kashmir government has announced several initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment, including skill development programs and incentives for local industries. However, many continue to question the effectiveness and reach of these measures.

Conclusion

The tragic loss of young lives to unemployment-related suicides in Kashmir highlights the socio-economic challenges facing the region. As families and communities grieve, there is an urgent need for comprehensive and sustainable solutions to provide hope and opportunity to Kashmir’s youth. Immediate action is crucial to prevent further tragedies and secure a better future for the next generation.

Final thoughts

The situation in Kashmir underscores the critical connection between employment and mental health. Tackling unemployment is not just an economic imperative, it is also a humanitarian one. By providing jobs and support, we can help restore hope and save lives.

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