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| Unmasking the Tragedy of Suicide in Tharparkar: A Cry for Help |
Tharparkar : In the arid and unforgiving land of Tharparkar, Pakistan, the scorching heat seems to mirror the torment that its people endure, especially the youth. Seventy-year-old Sarang Meghwar, a father who has lost three of his children to suicide, embodies the anguish that pervades this region. Tharparkar, with its reported surge in suicide cases, has become a chilling symbol of despair. This article delves into the factors contributing to this crisis and the urgent need for intervention.
Stories of Tragedy
The stories from Tharparkar are heart-wrenching. Ishaan, a free-spirited son, chose to end his life rather than conform to societal norms. Gita, a young girl forced into an unwanted marriage, also succumbed to the pressures. Chaandni, tormented by domestic abuse, met the same tragic fate. These tales are not isolated incidents; they are the harsh reality of Tharparkar.
Alarming Suicide Rates
Over the last three years, Tharparkar has witnessed a disturbing increase in suicide cases. In 2022 alone, there were 129 reported suicides, marking a grim escalation from the previous year. This has earned Tharparkar the dubious distinction of having one of the highest suicide rates in Pakistan, trailing only behind Chitral.
Tharparkar boasts the highest Hindu population in Pakistan, and traditional Hindu customs heavily influence the region. One such custom is the strict prohibition of inter-caste marriages, leading to unhappy unions and, tragically, suicides. Exchange marriages, locally known as "vatta-sattas," often result in problematic domestic dynamics, trapping women in cycles of violence and despair.
The Plight of Women:
Women in Tharparkar shoulder immense responsibilities, from collecting firewood to fetching water and assisting in cotton harvesting. Failure to fulfill these duties can lead to violence, further escalating their stress and despair. Domestic violence often lurks behind the vague term "domestic affairs" in official records.
Economic Desperation: A Vicious Cycle
Micro-financing institutions and local moneylenders offer loans to struggling farmers, but the burden of repayment can become overwhelming. Farmers often use their land and cattle as collateral, which can lead to a vicious cycle of debt. When they lose everything, including their dignity, some choose to end their lives.
The Thar coal mining project brought sudden modernization to parts of Tharparkar. As technology and connectivity reached the region, it fueled a deep sense of insecurity among the youth who aspired to a lifestyle beyond their reach. Social media has further exacerbated the problem by normalizing suicide and spreading distressing images.
The absence of official suicide statistics in Pakistan hampers efforts to address the crisis effectively. With a mere one psychiatrist for the entire region, mental health services remain inaccessible to many. Traditional remedies, like visiting a maulvi or shrine, often take precedence over seeking professional help.
The apathy of local authorities, unreliable data collection, and a lack of political will compound the issue. The number of suicides continues to rise, with 75 reported cases in the first eight months of 2023, nearly equaling 60% of the total cases from 2022. This crisis remains largely unaddressed, leaving the people of Tharparkar in the throes of anguish and despair.
The suicide epidemic in Tharparkar is not a mere statistic but a profound tragedy that demands immediate attention. The government must prioritize mental health services, raise awareness, and challenge archaic customs that contribute to the crisis. Society must unite to break the silence and provide hope to a generation caught in the grip of despair. Tharparkar deserves more than to be forgotten until the next drought or tragedy strikes; it deserves a chance at healing and renewal.
