HYDERABAD: A fact-finding report on increasing trend of suicide in Tharparkar has attributed the depressing trend, among other reasons, to negative impact of social media, which makes people believe “if there seems no solution to problems the best way is to commit suicide rather than facing the situation.”

The report compiled by a seven member committee appointed by DIG Mirpurkhas range Zulfiqar Mahar recommended establishment of psychosocial and rehabilitation centre in the district to register people suffering from psychological problems like depression, hopelessness etc.

It said that if family members, relatives or neighbours noticed telltale signs in an individual they should immediately inform the centre and seek support for him or her.

The report discussed issues of social transformation, sexual exploitation, forced marriages, wani, child marriages, religious and traditional barriers, drug addiction, leisure time with no incentives, population explosion, income and loan repayment procedure, exposure to social media, role of police in examination, MLO’s responsibility and psycho-social counselling services.

It said that rural people had an impression about the city life that it was carefree and free of problems and they too should adopt it but their socio-economic conditions did not support such change, causing increased depressive disorder. Sexual exploitation was also one of the reasons for suicide, it said.

It said that forced or wani marriages and child marriages were common, particularly among Bheel and Kolhi communities who believed that a girl should be married at an early age to take up responsibility of children. Bhopa, Darvesh and Faqir wielded great influence over people in rural areas and youth and elders (male) consumed drugs as an escape from problems, it said.

It proposed police should investigate suicide cases and review 174 CrPC to either register it as FIR or not. A committee of stakeholders be constituted by senior police officer for proper examination of socio-economic reasons behind suicide and budget be allocated for police stations for chemical analysis of suicide victims, it said.

The committee comprised members of civil society rights defender Kashif Bajir (chairman), Partab Shivani and Gotam Rathi (minorities) Dr Lakesh Khatri (psychiatrist), Ms Hajani Lanjho (District Bar Association), DSP Ayoub Dars and inspector Ms Fozia Nasir (members).

It said that a mortuary be established in the district to keep bodies for longer periods to help investigation, and a chemical analysis laboratory be set up to increase access to investigation because collected samples were sent to Karachi for examination which ultimately took time.

“Psychosocial and Rehabilitation Centre shall be established to register people facing psychological problems such as depression, hopelessness and disinterest in life,” it said.

A Medico Legal Officer should be a trained doctor with specialisation in post mortem and be posted in district headquarters and taluka hospitals for proper medical examination of suicide victims, it said.

It said the psychiatrists be posted in hospitals and police department to counter incidents of depressive illness and provide psychosocial support to communities.

The report recommended that an Early Warning Help Line Service be established to allow people to register cases and inform about psychosocial problems faced by an individual or family. Open katchehry be held at every police station with the help of NGOs to provide a platform to communities to discuss and share problems, it said.

It said that deputy commissioner should invite investors and stakeholders to launch industrial initiatives to support people in income generation opportunities as engagement of youth was becoming the most serious challenge for society.

It proposed that Tharparkar district be promoted for tourism which could help generate revenue. Lady health supervisors and health workers along with population department should ensure birth spacing as an average household in Thar had 8-11 children amid scarce resources.

The culture department should organise theatres in union councils to sensitise communities to ethical practices and moral standards, it said.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2021