TAKING note of The New Indian Express report that brought out alarming number of tribal suicides in Thiruvananthapuram, the National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the issue.
Observing that the incidents indicate a serious issue relating to the right to life as well as the social, economic and cultural rights of Scheduled Tribes, the NHRC served notice to the state chief secretary and the state police chief for a detailed report within two weeks. The report should mention the status of the FIRs in these issues and compensation, if any, provided to the next of kin of the deceased.
In its report on December 25, TNIE had highlighted the recent suicides in different panchayats on the outskirts of the state capital.
As many as 23 deaths were reported under different settlements in 2024.
Tribal activists are of the view that stress due to extreme social scenarios coupled with pressure and harassment due to marriages and relationships outside the community, along with burgeoning liquor and sex rackets, contribute to such suicides.