The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested a response from the Kerala government concerning reports of a high suicide rate among the tribal people in the Peringammala Panchayat, located in the Thiruvananthapuram district.

The NHRC has raised concerns about a sharp rise in suicides among Kerala’s tribal communities, urging the state government and police to take immediate action to address the alarming situation.

The Commission took suo motu cognisance of a news item on this and issued notices to the Chief Secretary and DGP, seeking a comprehensive report. The state authorities have been given two weeks to file their response.