Diamonds are not forever: Suicide helpline overwhelmed

Helpline launched on July 15 receives over 1,600 distress calls till now from diamond sector workers under stress due to salary cuts, job loss

A suicide helpline number launched on July 15 by the Diamond Workers Union Gujarat (DWUG) has received more than 1,600 distress calls from those in the sector, a functionary associated with the initiative said on Monday.

Citing media reports, DWUG vice president Bhavesh Tank said 65 diamond workers have committed suicide in Surat in the last 16 months, most of them taking the extreme step due to hardships caused by salary cuts and loss of jobs, a result of the slowdown in the industry.