‘Fence sideways of Safa Kadal bridge to prevent suicides’

Srinagar, July 8: Expressing concern over suicides by several people by jumping into river Jhelum from Safa Kadal bridge, locals have demanded immediate fencing of the sides of the bridge.

The locals said that last month, at least three incidents of people attempting suicide occurred at the spot. In a recent incident, a girl jumped into the river, however she was saved by a rescue team. Coincidentally the team was present at the bridge trying to retrieve the body of another woman who had jumped from the bridge a few days back.

“This bridge has become a suicide point. In the past few days, three such incidents took place. Recently, we were proceeding with the search operation when another girl jumped from the bridge, and we saved her on the spot,” Abdul Salam Dar, a rescuer said.

A few weeks ago, another girl from Budgam jumped from the Safa Kadal bridge. The locals said that the bridge needs to be fenced to discourage such attempts.

“Unfortunately, this bridge has become a suicide point. Now, people from other districts are coming here to commit alarming suicide. It is taking a toll on the mental well-being of the locals here. In addition to this, precious lives are being lost. The administration needs to install a tall fence along sideways of the bridge, keeping in mind the issue of suicide attempts. There is also a need to intervene at every level to understand why young people are committing suicide,” said Ashiq Ahmad, a local.

Another video surfaced on social media where a youngster claimed to have come with the intention to commit suicide due to some family issues. Netizens reacted sharply to the videos of back-to-back suicide attempts from the bridge.

“Strict safety measures are need of the hour to ensure that such cases don’t happen. We also need expert intervention and mental health initiatives so that youngsters don’t take such extreme steps,” a netizen wrote.

The locals in Safa Kadal said that the bridge is crowded on a daily basis as people gather to see rescue operations. They said that the bridge has become notorious for suicides, and the issues need to be addressed.

“We appeal to authorities that in view of these events, proper fencing of this bridge and other bridges over Jhelum should be ensured,” said the locals.