KHUJAND, May 20, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Female entrepreneur from the northern city of Chkalovsk has attempted to commit suicide following a sharp devaluation of the somoni.

According to the Sughd police directorate, she took a $17,000 loan from Eskhata Bank’s branch in Chkalovsk in September 2008 for the period until 2010, mortgaging her house to the bank.

“She has repaid only 7,000 dollars to the bank so far,” said the source, “She probably lost hope of paying off her debt to the bank because of sharp increase in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the somoni and decided to kill herself by taking a large dose of pills.”

Physician managed to save her and she is currently in hospital in Chkalovsk.