J&K: Son commits suicide over non-payment of teacher father’s salary for last 2.5 yrs

Srinagar: Son of a government teacher committed suicide by consuming poison in south Kashmir district of Kulgam, alleging that he was forced to take this extreme step due to financial crises of his family following non-payment of the salary of his father for last over two-and-a half years.

In a video, which was shot minutes before the youth (name withheld) consumed some poisonous substance, he could be heard saying that he was committing suicide to highlight the sufferings of the teachers due to non-payment of salaries for about 30 months. The video has gone viral on social media -- including Facebook and twitter -- attracting huge criticism for the J&K administration.

Official sources said the youth consumed some poisonous substance at his residence at village Manzgam in D H Pora in Kulgam on Saturday. "The youth was immediately taken to a hospital where he was declared brought dead," they said.

They said after completing all the legal and medical formalities, the body of the deceased was handed over to his relatives for last rites.

In the 90 second video, the youth said his father is a school teacher in a local Government Middle school. "My father has not been given salary from last 30 months and our family is living in a miserable condition. There are many teachers like my father, who have not been paid salaries. So, I am sacrificing myself so that the issue is highlighted and they (teachers) get their salaries," he said.

The youth concluded his message by asking his family to be patient and pray to God. (UNI)