Yet another woman commit suicide in Kashmir, no impact of fatwa

Srinagar, Aug 2 (UNI) Despite a fatwa issued by the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Mufti Bashir Udddin and other ulemas against committing ''suicide'', the trend of taking one's life has not declined in the valley as yet another woman died after consuming poison in south Kashmir.

Official sources said a woman, Mehfooza, consumed some poisonous substance in her house at Shelipora, Achabal, in Anantnag district last night. She was rushed to hospital where she was pronounced dead.

On an average two people, mostly women, consume poison or jump into river Jehlum every day.

According to official estimates, 62 people committed suicide in 2006 in the state, which shot up to 75 in the first six months of the current year despite the fatwa by the Mufti Azam, Mufti Bashir Udddin terming suicide ''unislamic act''.

About half a dozen people committed suicide since the issuance of the fatwa last month.

The trend of taking the extreme step among security forces has also not decreased despite the introduction of yoga and Art of Living to help them bust stress.

As many as 50 security force personnel, engaged in counter insurgency operations, have committed suicide in Jammu and Kashmir during the past three years.

About a dozen others were killed by their colleagues in the camps during the same period. A number of security force personnel were handed the death penalty by the army courts for killing their superiors and colleagues in the state.

UNI