CRPF ASI dies in Shopian camp; youth found dead in Kulgam amid Kashmir suicide crisis
Synopsis
Two deaths in Kashmir on the same Friday — a CRPF ASI who collapsed in a Shopian camp and a 25-year-old found hanging in Kulgam — spotlight a deepening crisis: suicide is now the fourth leading cause of death among Kashmir's 15–29 age group, with cases rising from 472 in 2020 to 586 in 2021, fuelled by drug abuse, trauma, and economic despair.
Key Takeaways
A CRPF ASI died after collapsing at the Horticulture Camp, Zainapora in Shopian district on 29 May ; he was declared dead on arrival at CHC Zainapora .
The deceased officer was a resident of Rajbagh, Kathua district ; police have initiated proceedings.
A 25-year-old mechanic and graduate was found hanging at his home in Chimmer area, Kulgam district on the same day.
Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among those aged 15–29 in the Kashmir Valley; cases rose from 472 (2020) to 586 (2021) .
An estimated 45 per cent of Kashmir's adult population reportedly suffers from mental distress; 4.6 per cent of the population uses opioid substances.
Just three days earlier , a 24-year-old jumped into the River Jhelum in Srinagar .
A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) died after collapsing inside a camp in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, 29 May, while a 25-year-old youth was found dead at his residence in Kulgam district on the same day. The two incidents have drawn fresh attention to the mounting toll of deaths — both in service and among civilians — across the Kashmir Valley.
CRPF Officer's Death in Shopian
The ASI, posted at the Horticulture Camp in Zainapora area of Shopian district, suddenly lost consciousness inside the camp premises. He was rushed to the Community Health Centre (CHC) Zainapora, where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.
According to police, the deceased was a resident of Rajbagh area of Kathua district. Authorities have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further proceedings. The cause of death has not been officially confirmed pending investigation.
Youth Found Dead in Kulgam
In a separate incident, a 25-year-old mechanic and graduate was found hanging inside his home in the Chimmer area of Kulgam district. Following completion of medico-legal formalities and a postmortem examination, the body was handed over to the family for last rites.
'After completion of medico-legal formalities and postmortem examination, the body was handed over to the family for last rites. Police took cognisance of the incident and started further investigation,' a police officer said. The exact cause of death remains under investigation.
Kashmir's Deepening Youth Suicide Crisis
The Kulgam death is not an isolated case. Suicide has emerged as the fourth most prevalent cause of mortality among those aged 15 to 29 in the Kashmir Valley, according to official records. Reported suicide cases rose sharply from 472 in 2020 to 586 in 2021, reflecting a troubling upward trend.
Notably, just three days before the Kulgam incident, a 24-year-old jumped into the River Jhelum in Srinagar city, underscoring the frequency of such events.
Root Causes: Drugs, Trauma, and Economic Despair
Experts and official data point to a complex web of contributing factors. Substance abuse is a significant driver — approximately 4.6 per cent of Kashmir's population reportedly uses opioid substances, with roughly two-thirds of drug users having begun between the ages of 11 and 20.
Prolonged exposure to violence and sociopolitical unrest has taken a severe mental health toll. An estimated 45 per cent of the adult population reportedly suffers from mental distress, including depression (41 per cent), anxiety (26 per cent), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (19 per cent). High unemployment, intense academic and job competition, family pressures, and the stigma surrounding mental health and drug abuse further compound the crisis, according to local reports and health officials.
What Comes Next
Police investigations into both deaths are ongoing. Mental health advocates and civil society groups have repeatedly called for a structured, state-backed intervention programme targeting Kashmir's youth — a demand that has yet to be met with a comprehensive policy response. The recurrence of such incidents suggests the situation warrants urgent institutional attention.
Point of View
Undercovered crisis. Kashmir's youth suicide data — fourth leading cause of death in the 15–29 cohort, cases up 24 per cent in a single year — points to a systemic failure that policing alone cannot address. The state has extensive security infrastructure in the Valley but no comparable investment in mental health or addiction services for a generation raised under chronic conflict. Until that asymmetry is corrected, incidents like the Kulgam hanging will keep repeating, and the numbers will keep rising.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the CRPF ASI die in Shopian?
The CRPF Assistant Sub-Inspector collapsed suddenly inside the Horticulture Camp in Zainapora area of Shopian district on 29 May. He was rushed to the Community Health Centre Zainapora, where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival. The cause of death is under investigation.
Who was the youth found dead in Kulgam?
The deceased was a 25-year-old mechanic and graduate found hanging inside his home in the Chimmer area of Kulgam district. Police have taken cognisance and begun further investigation; the exact reason for his death has not yet been established.
How serious is the youth suicide crisis in Kashmir?
Suicide is the fourth most prevalent cause of mortality among those aged 15 to 29 in the Kashmir Valley. Reported cases rose from 472 in 2020 to 586 in 2021, according to official records. Mental health experts attribute the rise to drug abuse, chronic trauma from sociopolitical unrest, and economic pressures.
What are the main drivers of suicide among Kashmir's youth?
Key factors include substance abuse — with roughly 4.6 per cent of the population using opioid substances — alongside mental health distress linked to prolonged exposure to violence. An estimated 45 per cent of adults reportedly suffer from depression, anxiety, or PTSD. High unemployment and social stigma around seeking help also play a significant role.
Are there other recent suicide cases in Kashmir?
Yes. Just three days before the Kulgam incident, a 24-year-old jumped into the River Jhelum in Srinagar city. The frequency of such incidents has prompted calls from mental health advocates for a structured, state-backed intervention programme for Kashmir's youth.
