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Srinagar, In a disturbing trend, at least 16 Kashmiri students, who were pursuing higher education across India, have committed suicide since 2016, highlighting the mental health challenges faced by these young individuals from the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) revealed these figures, pointing to depression and mental health issues as major contributors to the tragic outcomes. Nasir Khuehami, the Convener of JKSA, emphasized the importance of addressing these concerns, stating, “I have personally followed these cases and discussed these matters with the police and administration, finding that mental health struggles were a significant factor.”
The recent case of a 23-year-old student named Zahid from Pulwama district, who was found dead in his hostel room at Desh Bhagat University in Punjab, underscores the severity of the situation. Preliminary investigations suggest that Zahid was suffering from severe depression, with university officials noting his withdrawal from social interactions.
In another heart-wrenching incident from September 2021, Umar Ahad Dev, a radiology student from Budgam district, was discovered deceased at RIMT University of Punjab. A suicide note left by Umar indicated his battle with depression as the reason for his decision to end his life.
Mental health experts highlight that while various factors can lead to suicide, the hostile environment and frequent attacks by Hindutva groups against Kashmiri students in India exacerbate their vulnerability. These students often face hostility simply for their religious beliefs and regional background, making their educational journey an ordeal of survival against prejudice and discrimination.