KHUJAND, October 8, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- The number of suicide cases is increasing in the Sughd province. 

Thus, five suicide cases have been registered in the province over the past four days alone.  The cases have been reported in Isfara, Jabborrasulov, Istaravshan and Spitamen districts.  All of them committed suicide by self-hanging, the source at the Sughd police directorate said.   

According to the Sughd prosecutor’s office, 177 suicide cases have been registered in the province over the first nine months of this year, which is 66 cases more than in the same period of 2007.  Of those committed suicide this year, 86 were women and 26 were minors.  The majority of the suicide cases have been reported in Isfara, Asht, Bobojonghafurov, Istaravshan, Jabborrasulov, and Ghonchi districts.     

Besides, 45 suicide attempts have been reported in January-September 2008.  In the same period of last year, 47 suicide attempts were registered in northern Tajikistan. 

            According to local specialists, the majority of those committed suicide were motivated by family and economic problems.