No impact of ulmas fatwa on suicide, one more ends life in Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 4 (UNI) Despite a fatwa by Muslim ulmas, suicides continued to stalk Jammu and Kashmir as yet another person took the extreme step in north Kashmir.

Official sources said one Altaf Ahmad Sheikh consumed some poisonous substance at his residence at Ghanpora Gonipora at Kunzar in Baramulla district. He was immediately shifted to Srinagar hospital where he died.

This was the second suicide in the Kashmir valley during the past 24 hours as one unidentified girl had jumped into the river at Nawa Kadal in the downtown Srinager yesterday People, mostly women, continue to commit suicide in the valley despite a fatwa by ulemas declaring it as an 'unislamic' act.

According to officials figures, 315 cases of suicides, attempt to suicide and abetment to suicide were registered in the state in 2005 as compared to 295 in 2006.

Insecurity, unemployment, family discord, failure in love, examinations and stress were some of the main causes forcing people to take the extreme step.

Suicide is essentially a social problem and could be controlled when the people actively come forward in this regard and join hands with administrative and voluntary groups, the sources added.

UNI