NEW DELHI: The Indian military has faced a troubling crisis over the past two decades, with over 3,300 soldiers committing suicide since 2001 due to the discriminatory attitude of senior officers in the Indian forces. This figure underscores a severe issue within the ranks, attributed largely to systemic problems and discriminatory attitudes from senior officers.
Detailed reports reveal that an Indian soldier has committed suicide approximately every third day, a pattern that has drawn attention to the dire conditions faced by personnel. Between 2010 and 2019 alone, there were 895 suicides in the Indian Army, 185 in the Air Force, and 32 in the Navy. Since 2014, these numbers have included 983 suicides in the Army, 96 in the Navy, and 246 in the Air Force.
Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a region with a heavy military presence, has seen over 100 suicide cases annually, reflecting a particularly high rate of distress among soldiers stationed there. The last five years have been especially grim, with more than 800 suicides occurring due to adverse conditions influenced by officer behavior.
The issue came into sharp focus with recent high-profile cases, including the suicides of Colonel Khanna and Lt Colonel Nishant in January 2023. Colonel Khanna was found hanging from a fan on January 23, while Lt Colonel Nishant took his own life after a tragic incident involving his wife on January 9.
Historical cases also highlight the persistent nature of this crisis. In 2006, Lt Sushmita took her own life just ten months after joining the service, citing forced participation in late-night dance parties and illegal demands from her superiors as factors contributing to her distress. Similarly, Major Anita Kumari ended her life in December 2016 due to the pressures and conditions within the military.
In addition to the suicides, around 47,000 officials have either voluntarily retired or resigned from the Indian armed forces, indicating a broader dissatisfaction and distress among personnel. The high rate of suicides and resignations points to serious issues within the military environment, including discriminatory attitudes and poor treatment from senior officers.
