Suicide cases spike after May 3, 2023 violence
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 10 2025: Ever since the outbreak of violence, Manipur has witnessed a rise in suicide cases, said Dr Chambo Gonmei, Director of Health Services.

He made the remark during the observation of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 held today at the Utility Hall of College of Commerce, DM University.

Separately, the Psychology Department of Manipur University also observed the day by taking out a procession within the university campus.

At DM University, the event was organised by the National Mental Health Programme, National Health Mission Manipur and the Directorate of Health Services under the theme "Changing the narrative on suicide" .

Suicide cases spike after May 3, 2023 violence

Delivering a speech as the chief guest, Dr Chambo Gonmei said Manipur has witnessed rising incidence of suicides since the eruption of violence.

The conflict has affected the IDPs the most as they have lost their livelihood, are unable to return home and continue to live in a state of limbo.

As a result, the IDP community is seeing an increase in suicide cases, he said.

To tackle this challenge, mental health teams visit relief camps two/three times a week and provide counselling sessions to give lifesaving awareness and improve their mental health.

On another note, he pointed out that suicidal tendencies are more common among younger people.

"If they demonstrate rmusual behaviour, we should talk to them, hear out their worries and give them access to timely counselling sessions", he said.

The root causes of their suicidal ideation may be their way of life, academics, failure in certain endeavours or a sense of apathy leading them to think their life is useless.

Under such circumstances, they may have thoughts of consuming pesticides or hanging to end their lives.

He advised people to talk to such troubled individuals with calmness during such delicate times.

Highlighting the preciousness of life, he encouraged people to try and live happily while reasoning that everyone, rich or poor, have problems of their own.

Giving the keynote address, Dr Athokpam Ranita Devi, State Nodal Officer, National Mental Health Programme, NHM, Manipur said that the National average suicide rate is 12.4 per lakh people.

According to a CID Crime Branch report, there were 41 cases of suicides in 2024 in Manipur.

Inferring from this data, the average suicide rate stands at 1.2 per lakh.

However, due to the grim fallout of the conflict, suicide cases have increased from last year, she maintained.

In order to bring these numbers down, there is a need for timely intervention, counselling and support.

The Health Department is consistently organising awareness programmes to give mental health support to young people and the public.

Maintaining that different factors can cause mental health problems, she remarked that the current scenario in Manipur has led many people to battle anxiety and stress disorders.

The event was attended by Dr N Hemantakumar Singh, Director of Family Welfare Services; Dr N Bino Singh, Addl Director (MD), Health Services and Professor Sagolsem Lanchenba Meetei, Dean, School of Humanities & Principal, College of Arts, DM University.

Separately, the Psychology Department of Manipur University also observed World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 at MU campus today.

The main highlight of the event was a procession taken out by students and teachers alike in the campus carrying the message that suicide is preventable.

On the occasion, Dr Gyanesh Kumar Tiwari, Associate Professor, Psychology Department said preparations are underway to set up a Counselling Cell in MU to help prevent suicides.

People can avail the facilities here free of cost.

There can be various reasons for suicide, but the main message to know and spread to society is that suicide can be prevented.

The Counselling Cell will be established based on this mindset, he added.