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Smugglers using kids as ‘carriers’ on Indo-Nepal border |
Smugglers active along the porous Indo-Nepal border are now using children, as
''carriers'' to smuggle goods like sugar and tobacco. Hundreds of children, in
the age group of six to years, are being hired by the mafia of smugglers to carry
out this illegal trade along the Sunauli check point of Uttar Pradesh. Reportedly,
the reliance on children has been so successful in smuggling that the influence
of such a modus operandi is even witnessed in West Bengal. The chosen children
are paid around rupees 200 per day for running the errands. "I travel at least
10 times in a day. I carry five kilograms of sugar in one visit and I get 200
rupees. I also study. I live in Jogiabadi," said Akhil. Shree Chand Gupta, President,
Indo-Nepal Friendship Organisation contended that it is the poverty stricken parents
who are persuading their children. He added that this trends can turn out to be
heinous in the long run if not checked at the right time. "Today they are carrying
sugar but tomorrow they can also smuggle arms and ammunitions on the other side
and can work as traitors. Hence officers of both the countries should take a note
of this crime as it can also cause a serious threat to the society," said Gupta.
Physically challenged persons and aged women are also becoming soft targets for
smugglers, as they don''t have any regular source of income. Awareness campaigns
in the border villages and schools can put a stop to the malpractice. “Above all,
the customs and the security personnel manning the transit points along the India-Nepal
border need to pull up their socks,” Gupta points out. |
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