KALIKOT, June 25: In an unfortunate consequence of economic hardship, a young woman in her early twenties recently shared her experience of engaging in sex work due to poverty. Having begun this profession at the age of 17, she revealed that her decision was driven by her family's financial hardship.
Preferring to remain anonymous, she explained, "In the face of poverty, I reluctantly turned to this occupation to fulfill my desires at an early age. This comes without the prospect of marriage." She further expressed, "I have sacrificed my youth to sustain myself in this profession."
Two years ago, she arrived in Surkhet and found herself in a state of confusion for several days. Eventually, accompanied by a friend, she checked into a hotel. Recounting her initial encounter, she shared, "As I sat in the room, a stranger entered. When he left, he handed me a 1,000 rupees note. This slowly broadened my perspective. Since then, I have been making my livelihood through such means."
"By staying in hotels, I have been able to generate a substantial income, support my family financially, and even afford gold jewelry," she disclosed. "Although it saddens me, it was poverty and lack of education that led me to this path."
Poverty: A Multidimensional Problem, Nepalese Context
Booming flesh trade in Karnali
The rise in flesh trade in Karnali has become a matter of concern. It has been observed that both Nepali and Indian citizens are frequenting star hotels in Surkhet and Dailekh, as well as other hotels and popular tourist destinations, for engaging in sexual activities.
Surkhet, being the central hub of Karnali Province for education and employment, has become the preferred destination for individuals from various districts of Karnali Province and Far West Province. With its thriving trade and business, as well as a reputation for fashion and modernity, Surkhet captivates attention more rapidly than other districts. Consequently, experts believe that young people are entering the flesh trade, knowingly or unknowingly.
The flourishing of the sex industry in Surkhet can be attributed to several factors, including a lack of financial resources, a desire for a luxurious lifestyle, drug use, and the tendency to follow others. Startlingly, it has come to light that even those involved in professional studies and employment, residing in rented accommodations, are engaging in this profession in pursuit of a better life.
A few years ago, the sex trade was confined to a limited number of hotels and resorts in Surkhet and other cities. However, with the younger generation becoming more tech-savvy, they can easily connect with clients and sex workers through technology. Moreover, these individuals have developed methods to elude the reach of law enforcement and local authorities.
According to police data, in Karnali, a distressing reality persists as young girls, driven by poverty, illiteracy, and scarcity, are reportedly engaged in sex trade across various districts, including Surkhet, Kalikot, Dailekh, Jumla, and Mugu. Experts suggest that these activities are not limited to Surkhet alone but are also prevalent in areas such as Eri Chowk and Birendra Chowk in Birendranagar, alleys of these areas, as well as hotels and tourist spots.
It has come to light that these activities are not confined solely to prominent hotels and homestays in Birendranagar or Surkhet district. In certain locations of Surkhet, the flesh trade thrives along roadsides during the evenings.
Similarly, the sex trade is reportedly flourishing within hotels in the Dailekh district headquarters market. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Tinder are being used for the buying and selling of sexual services, while authorities remain largely unaware of these activities.
It is not that the police are not making efforts to curb sexual activities in Karnali. On May 24, the police arrested two hotel owners who were found to be operating a sex trade in Dailekh headquarters. DSP Kishore Lamsal informed Republica that acting on confidential information, the Dailekh police apprehended 40-year-old Tirtha Prasad Neupane, owner of Jwalamukhi Hotel in the headquarters, as well as 30-year-old Dipendra Katuwal, owner of Aarti Hotel.
Authorities have been conducting raids on hotels where sexual activities are suspected, issuing notices to those involved and the hotel owners. However, despite these measures, the prevalence of sexual activities persists, indicating the challenges in effectively curbing such practices.
