The Indian army deployed in Occupied Kashmir is grappling with a surge in suicide cases, drawing attention to the psychological toll on soldiers and the purported discontent with the policies of the Modi government. The escalating wave of suicides has been linked to discontent among Indian soldiers who feel disheartened by what they perceive as unfavorable policies of the Modi administration. Reports suggest that the soldiers, who are involved in the contentious occupation of Kashmir and are often accused of human rights abuses, are themselves falling victim to psychological diseases.

Since 2007, over 586 Indian soldiers have taken their own lives in the occupied valley. The latest incident, adding to a distressing series, involved 38-year-old Naik Harish Chandra Singh of the Indian Army, belonging to 31 Rashtriya Rifles, who tragically took his own life in Udhampur district on November 16. Singh reportedly shot himself in his camp, highlighting the severity of the mental health crisis among the deployed forces.

The situation has raised concerns both within India and internationally, shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by the military personnel stationed in the conflict-ridden region. The international media, including outlets has pointed to the incompetence and poor policies of the Indian government as contributing factors to the escalating mental stress and depression among the security forces.

More than half of the Indian security forces currently stationed in Occupied Kashmir are under severe stress, exacerbating the risk of mental health issues. The Modi government's approach to handling the Kashmir conflict has come under scrutiny, with questions arising about the efficacy of persecuting Kashmiris and the potential repercussions on the psychological well-being of its own soldiers. As the suicide rates continue to climb, the need for a comprehensive and empathetic approach to address the mental health challenges faced by the Indian army in Occupied Kashmir becomes increasingly urgent.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)