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Rise in Punjabi girls getting pushed into flesh trade in UK I P Singh,TNN | Dec 1, 2013, 03.20 AM IST JALANDHAR: The alarming rise in number of girls from Punjab being forced into flesh trade in UK has compelled prominent Sikhs in that country and Sikh Sewak Society International to submit a memorandum to Punjab police, urging it to check the disturbing trend and also create awareness among the community about the grim reality. UK police also claimed to have identified more than 600 hapless girls from Punjab, trapped in prostitution racket in recent times. The modus operandi is very simple for the girls' families to fall into the trap. Illegal travel agents, mushrooming across the state, lure the girls to visit UK on student visas to get enrolled in education institutes. These girls, coming mostly from humble backgrounds, are also given false promises of jobs and better lifestyle once they visit UK. After they reach UK, they become vulnerable and helpless to sexual exploitation and are later forced into prostitution. "The travel agents make false claims about the educational institutes in UK. They also promise honourable jobs. The harsh reality is, however, horrific. The girls never get a job, and, in desperate situation, are pushed into the vicious trap of flesh trade by vested interests," Rajinder Singh Purewal, chairman of Sikh Sewak Society International, said in its memorandum to commissioner of police, Jalandhar. Purewal, a former executive member of Justice of Peace in UK, has been helping such girls for long by providing them shelter and also find suitable jobs. "Only those parents, who can support them financially, should send their wards to UK for education," he said. The UK home department officials concerned have held a number of meetings with community leaders on the issue and have announced financial assistance of £60,000 for spreading awareness. The Sikh Council said that the grant would also be provided for assistance to destitute, trafficked and vulnerable people from Punjab, if they wish to return home. Source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Rise-in-Punjabi-girls-getting-pushed-into-flesh-trade-in-UK/articleshow/26658955.cms