7,000 Nepali women trafficked annually

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KATHMANDU, Dec 10 (Xinhua): Around 7,000 Nepali girls and women are trafficked annually from Nepal to India and the Gulf countries, a study issued by a non-governmental organisation has disclosed.
According to Monday's The Himalayan Times daily citing its study, Maiti Nepal, a transition home for victimized girl child and women, said girls ranging from 7 to 24 years are being trafficked to India and the Gulf countries.
About 40 per cent of girls being trafficked are below 18 years and most of them are in flesh trade, according to the study.
Biswo Ram Khadka of the Maiti Nepal was quoted by the daily as saying that some 200,000 prostitutes in India are Nepalis, 20 per cent of whom are under 16.
Child prostitution is a growing problem in Nepal and media ress it, Khadka added.