Thiruvananthapuram, The Kerala Human Rights Commission on Tuesday directed the state police chief to increase the manpower to ease the work pressure on the staff and thus curb the rise in suicides among them.

The Commission's order came a day after the opposition UDF attacked the Left government over rising cases of suicide among police personnel.

In view of the increasing number of suicides due to work pressure experienced by police personnel, the Commission ordered to modify the strength of local police stations in accordance with the changing times, according to a statement by the panel here.

Acting chairman of the commission and judicial member K Byjunath gave a directive in this regard to DGP Sheikh Darvesh Sahib, he said.

In its order, the Commission said it had noted several media reports about increasing mental stress among police personnel due to lack of strength in the force and lack of adequate rest and weekly breaks for them.

This would adversely affect the efficiency of the police force, the order said, adding that the number of personnel seeking voluntary retirement is also increasing in the state.

The panel also said there were widespread complaints that many police stations in the state were understaffed and therefore law and order was not adequately maintained.

The Commission issued the order based on a complaint filed by a human rights activist.

On Monday, the Congress-led opposition UDF criticized the Left government in Kerala over the rise in suicides among police personnel and staged a strike after the president denied them permission to discuss the issue.

Congress MLA PC Vishnunadh moved a notice for an adjournment motion on the matter and said shortage of staff, hectic schedule and long working hours were among the causes of rise in suicides among staff.

The opposition claimed that 88 police officers had committed suicide in the last five years.