Mizoram records 948 suicide cases in 10 years, 49 this year

Guwahati: At least 948 people have died by suicide in Mizoram over the past 10 years, with 154 of them being women.

The shocking figures were revealed by Aizawl Superintendent of Police (SP) Rahool Alwal during the observation of ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ in the state’s capital on Tuesday (September 10, 2024).

The deaths occurred between 2014 and July 2024. Of the total deaths, male accounted for 84 per cent and females 16 per cent.

On the other hand, as many as 49 people have taken their own lives so far this year.  

The highest number of cases of suicide was recorded among people in the age group between 20 and 39 years, with an “astounding” figure of 584.

Also Read: Manipur tribal body claims statements made by state police are inaccurate, misleading

A total of 201 suicide cases were recorded in the age group of 40-59 years, followed by 117 in the age group of 1-19 years, and 40 above 60 years.

The ‘World Suicide Prevention Day’ is observed on September 10 every year since 2003. It aims to create awareness among the people in order to prevent suicides.

It is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in collaborattion with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH).

In 2011, an estimated 40 countries held awareness events to mark the occasion. 

According to the WHO’s mental health atlas released in 2014, no low-income country reported having a national suicide prevention strategy, while less than 10 per cent of lower-middle income countries, and almost a third of upper-middle and high-income countries had.