Dhangadi, February 10

The number of women and children being trafficked has surpassed the number of rescued trafficking victims in the far-western region.

According to a report prepared by Far-western Regional Police Office, the number of women and children being trafficked through various border points in the district is rising annually.

DIG Bijaya Kumar Bhatta at Far-western Regional Police Office said it was difficult to curb human trafficking due to the open border with India.

As many as 110 persons were rescued from Mitranagar customs of Kailali, Gaddachauki border of Kanchanpur, Bhulaghat border of Baitadi and Pulghat customs of Darchula in the fiscal 2071/72 BS.  Likewise, 237 persons  were rescued from the border points last fiscal and 135 persons in the six months of the current fiscal.

Though various organisations are running awareness campaigns in the district, open borders have made it difficult for police to curb trafficking, said DIG Bhatta. He said traffickers had started smuggling women and children though alternative routes, including rivers.

Of late, traffickers have been using Phubari and Belauri in the southern part of Kanchanpur district to smuggle women and children to foreign countries for sex trade and forced labour.