SRINAGAR: Two persons were killed and another injured when a vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell into 250 feet gorge in Doda district on Monday, offcials said. They said a load carrier (Tata Mobile- JK06B-1533)...

SRINAGAR: At least 16 persons including a local militant were killed in September this year in Jammu and Kashmir in different militancy-related incidents. Joint forces foiled three infiltration bids in Mandi Poonch, Hathlanga Uri area of Baramulla district, and Machil...

SRINAGAR: For the past few days, the harrowing sight of dead fish floating on the surface of the otherwise calm Dal Lake has caused panic among the residents and visitors, who had recently witnessed a strange phenomenon of exotic and...

SRINAGAR: Seven people were killed and three others were injured when a vehicle carrying workers met with an accident near the site of under construction Dangduru hydel power project in Kishtwar district on Wednesday. A police officer told GNS that...

SRINAGAR: The Government has ordered constitution of Union territory Level Inter Departmental Coordination Committee and District Level Inter Departmental Coordination Committee(s on registration of Births and Deaths in Jammu and Kashmir. According to an order, a copy of which lies...

Srinagar is currently grappling with a major issue of solid waste management. The city has been facing a garbage crisis for years, and the situation has only worsened with time. The city's landfill sites are overflowing, and the municipality dumps...

The surge in suicides by youngsters in Kashmir is an alarming issue that needs immediate attention. According to recent reports, the number of suicide cases in the valley has increased significantly in the past few years. The reasons behind this surge in suicides are varied and complex, but it is essential to address them to save the lives of young people. According to a study by the Department of Psychiatry at the Government Medical College in Srinagar, the suicide rate among youngsters in Kashmir has increased by 400% over the past decade. In 2019 alone, 204 cases of suicide were reported in the valley, with most of them being young people. This is a worrying trend that cannot be ignored. There are many factors contributing to the high suicide rate among youngsters in Kashmir. One of the main reasons is the ongoing conflict and instability in the region. The violence, uncertainty, and fear that come with living in a conflict zone can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, which can eventually lead to suicide. Other factors include family problems, academic pressure, drug addiction, and mental health issues and overall uncertainty has created a sense of hopelessness and despair among the young population. There are several factors that contribute to the rise in the number of suicides among young people in Kashmir. The prolonged conflict and violence in the region have taken a heavy toll on the mental health of the youth. The constant exposure to violence, fear, and uncertainty has created a sense of hopelessness and despair among the young population. The lack of opportunities for education and employment is also a significant factor contributing to the problem. The youth in Kashmir face numerous challenges in pursuing their education and career goals. The limited opportunities for higher education and employment create a sense of frustration and hopelessness, leading them to take extreme steps. To address this issue, we need to take a multi-pronged approach. Firstly, we need to provide better mental health services and support for young people in Kashmir. There is a severe shortage of mental health professionals in the valley, and many young people do not have access to adequate care. The government must take steps to train more mental health professionals and make mental health services more accessible to young people. Secondly, we need to address the root causes of the conflict in Kashmir. The violence and instability in the region are taking a severe toll on young people's mental health, and we cannot expect to solve the suicide crisis without addressing the underlying issues. The government needs to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders and work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict. Thirdly, we need to provide more support for families and communities affected by suicide. Suicide not only affects the individual but also has a significant impact on their families and friends. We need to provide more resources for families and communities to cope with the aftermath of suicide, including counseling and support groups. The media also has a crucial role to play in creating awareness about mental health issues. The media should highlight the importance of mental health and the need to seek help when needed. They should also highlight the success stories of individuals who have overcome their mental health issues and the importance of seeking help. Finally, we need to raise awareness about suicide and mental health issues in Kashmir. Many young people are not aware of the warning signs of suicide or the resources available to them if they are struggling with mental health issues. We need to work towards removing the stigma around mental health and encourage young people to seek help if they need it. In conclusion, the surge in suicides by youngsters in Kashmir is a complex issue that requires a multi-pronged approach. We need to provide better mental health services, address the root causes of the conflict, provide more support for families and communities affected by suicide, and raise awareness about suicide and mental health issues. It is time for the government and all stakeholders to take action to save the lives of young people in the valley. We owe it to our youth to provide them with a safe and healthy environment where they can flourish and achieve their goals.

Road safety is an essential aspect of our daily lives that cannot be ignored. It is a critical issue that requires attention from policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the public. The situation in Kashmir with regards to road safety is a matter of concern. The region has witnessed a rise in road accidents in recent years, and needs enough attention. The statistics for road accidents in Kashmir are alarming. Kashmir alone accounted for 2206 road accidents in 2022 claiming the lives of more than 200 people. Following the trend of the past three years, Srinagar city again topped the list by reporting 53 fatalities in 426 accidents. The majority of these accidents were caused by human error, including reckless driving, speeding, and driving under the influence of drugsl. Road infrastructure, including poor road conditions, inadequate street lighting, and a lack of signage, is also a contributing factor to accidents. One of the primary causes of road accidents in Kashmir is reckless driving. Many drivers ignore traffic rules and regulations, leading to a rise in accidents. Speeding, overtaking from the wrong side and running red lights are common occurrences on the roads in the region. It is crucial to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of adhering to traffic rules and regulations. Driving under the influence of drugs is another significant cause of road accidents in Kashmir. It is essential to enforce strict penalties to deter such behavior. Road infrastructure in Kashmir is a major cause for concern. Poor road conditions, including potholes and uneven surfaces, make driving dangerous. A lack of street lighting in many areas of the region makes it difficult for drivers to see the road ahead, leading to accidents. To address the issue of road safety in Kashmir, a multi-pronged approach is required. Education and awareness campaigns must be launched to promote safe driving practices. Drivers must be made aware of the importance of adhering to traffic rules and regulations. It is crucial to educate the public about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Law enforcement agencies must also play their part in enforcing traffic rules and regulations. They must be vigilant in detecting and penalizing drivers who engage in reckless behavior. There should be strict penalties for those who violate traffic rules and must be held accountable for their actions. Road infrastructure in Kashmir must also be improved. Potholes and uneven surfaces must be repaired, and proper signage and street lighting must be installed. Roads must be constructed to high standards to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians. Community involvement is also critical in addressing road safety in Kashmir. Local residents must be encouraged to report any unsafe road conditions to the authorities. Community leaders, including religious leaders, can play a vital role in promoting safe driving practices and raising awareness about the importance of road safety. In conclusion, road safety is a critical issue in Kashmir that requires urgent attention. The rise in road accidents is a cause for concern, and it is essential to address the root causes of the problem through education and awareness campaigns, law enforcement, and infrastructure improvements must be adopted. Community involvement is also essential in addressing road safety in the region to create a safer environment for drivers and pedestrians in Kashmir so that families don’t lose their loved ones without having to bid a last good bye.