83 Teenage Girls Lose Their Lives in the Far West, Falling Victim to Love Traps

Dhangadhi: Recent police records have revealed a deeply concerning trend in Sudurpaschim Province, where a distressing total of 83 teenage girls have tragically ended their lives over the past two years. This heart-wrenching statistic encompasses the period from the fiscal year 2078/79 BS to the end of Baisakh in the fiscal year 2079/80 BS, during which a total of 125 teenagers, including 83 teenage girls and 42 teenage boys, resorted to suicide.

Disturbingly, the victims primarily belong to the age group of 13 to 19 years. Law enforcement officials have noted that several teenagers and young women find themselves ensnared in the web of ill-fated love affairs, often leading to dire consequences when their romantic aspirations go awry. Tragically, women in the province have also succumbed to this troubling trend, often driven by factors such as domestic violence, polygamy, and coercion.

In the fiscal year 2078/79 BS, a grim tally of 225 women lost their lives due to these distressing circumstances. However, the number of male suicides surpasses that of females. According to police records, 295 men perished during this period, with reasons ranging from economic hardship and unemployment to mental health issues.

In total, within this timeframe, 583 lives were lost, including 39 girls, 24 teenagers, 295 men, and 225 women. There is a marginal decrease in suicide rates in the fiscal year 2079/80 BS, but the overall figures remain deeply troubling. During this period, 446 lives were tragically lost within the province. Police statistics reveal that this somber toll includes 229 men, 155 women, 44 teenagers, and 18 young boys.

Despite advancements in education, the rise in suicide rates within our society is an alarming concern. Poisoning and hanging have emerged as the predominant methods employed in these tragic incidents.

Suicide is undeniably linked to mental health, with a majority of victims falling within the age bracket of 15 to 31 years. Law enforcement officers identify escalating mental stress and depression among young individuals as the chief underlying factors. Moreover, the prevalence of physical and sexual violence amongst youth has further exacerbated their emotional turmoil, as many find it challenging to openly communicate their problems with their families.

These incidents underscore the urgent need to address the growing stressors and challenges faced by our youth, alongside addressing the economic, social, and familial factors contributing to this distressing rise in suicides.