'6 out of 1 lakh soldiers commit suicide, fratricide'

[Kyusuibu Honbu]

'6 out of 1 lakh soldiers commit suicide, fratricide'​

Cases of suicides and fratricides among Indian soldiers has reduced to six per lakh this year from about 14 per lakh a few years ago, premier defence agency DRDO has said.

In the defence agency's psychological research lab in Delhi, scientists and psychologists are trying to understand the


conditions under which soldiers take such extreme steps.
"We have been successful in bringing down the number of such cases from 13-14 per lakh few years ago to 6 per lakh now," Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) Director General Dr VK Saraswat told PTI in Dhamra.

"To moderate the tremendous stress under which combat troops live, we are accordingly developing courses to train them and spot those who can be a victim," Saraswat, the chief scientific advisor to the minister of defence said.

Pointing out that soldiers stationed in adverse conditions, like those in Siachen, were prone to stress, he said, "They are worried about their family's welfare. Often some of them want to go home to be with their family to take care of household problems. When they don't get leave, they go into stress mode and often take the extreme step."

To make sure that the life of the soldier was comfortable in adverse conditions, DRDO is looking at the physiological needs, psychological aspects, bio-medical requirements, and even ergonomics.

'6 out of 1 lakh soldiers commit suicide, fratricide' - Hindustan Times

 

[fd24]

Its probably one of the most stressful jobs to undertake. I cant imagine living with the fear that everyday you put the uniform on to go and "work" - it could be your last day of your life. I dont think the suicide issue is unique to any specific army. It must be stressful whichever uniform you wear...

 

[janon]

Its probably one of the most stressful jobs to undertake. I cant imagine living with the fear that everyday you put the uniform on to go and "work" - it could be your last day of your life. I dont think the suicide issue is unique to any specific army. It must be stressful whichever uniform you wear...

The Irish and swiss armies beg to differ.

What I mean is that military personnel involved in constant counter insurgency and tensions are more prone to this situation. Indian, pakistani militaries for example. Especially those posted in forward areas and conflict zones. Military people in more peaceful parts of the world have an easier time.

 

[Gandhi G in da house]

It's good that the numbers are going down

 

[SamantK]

I dont see a lot of people here... its bad that people only get attracted to bad news but stay away from the good ones....

We must appreciate such efforts too...

Great job! commendable!