Kashmir's Craft Legacy Under Threat: KCCI Declares War on Counterfeits

Srinagar, Aug 12: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has sounded a warning bell in response to mounting reports and complaints about the sale of counterfeit and machine-made products being passed off as authentic Kashmir handicrafts to unsuspecting tourists. This deceptive practice has sparked serious concern among local artisans and business leaders, who fear it could deal a devastating blow to the region's renowned traditional handicraft industry.

Javed Tenga, President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), today addressed the growing concern over the sale of counterfeit and machine-made products masquerading as authentic Kashmir handicrafts to unsuspecting tourists.

"This is a matter of grave concern as such mal-practice is bound to cut into the very roots of our traditional handicraft business," Tenga declared.

He emphasised the KCCI's commitment to tackling this issue, stating, "The KCC&I believes this is a shameful practice and as such has taken it as a priority concern. We have resolved to take necessary steps to protect, preserve and promote our handicrafts known the world over for the high-quality use of material used and its incomparable craftsmanship."

Tenga provided historical context, noting, "The origin of Kashmir handicraft dates back to centuries, reflecting a confluence of various regions and cultures, notably Central Asia and Persia. Introduced initially by Hazrat Shahi Hamdan Mir Syed Mir Ali Hamadani (RA) in the 14th Century, Kashmir handicrafts began to flourish in the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Zainul Abidin."

Highlighting the diversity of Kashmir's handicraft industry, Tenga listed, "Notable areas of our handicraft products are Textiles (all kind of Pashmina shawls, high quality Sozni embroidered shawls), the mulberry silk products, carpet & rugs, tapestry, crewel, chain stitch, phulkari, wood carving, papier machie, copper ware and silverware."

Addressing the current crisis, Tenga revealed, "We have been receiving complaints at the KCC&I from tourists that machine-made products and fake items are being passed on and sold to them in the name of Kashmir handicraft items." He condemned these practices, stating, "The KCC&I executive has taken a serious note of such unfair trade practices and considers it not only a crime against society but also as a serious criminal offence apart from bringing a bad name to the fair name of Kashmir."

Tenga clarified the KCCI's position: "While this Chamber is not against those who are dealing in machine-made products, it cannot afford to see the machine-made things being sold in the name of Kashmir handicraft products which brings disrepute to our traditional handicraft."

To combat this issue, Tenga proposed a solution: "The KCC&I suggests the shopkeepers/dealers/showroom owners label their merchandise to distinguish between genuine and machine-made products. The handicraft traders/dealers should invariably attach a proper label to their product giving its description/composition as a genuine handicraft product or otherwise."

Tenga concluded with a stern warning: "The KCC&I feels duty bound to warn those traders who indulge in selling machine-made products in the name of genuine Kashmir handicraft to desist from indulging in such unscrupulous business practices, failing which such traders shall be identified through special squads of KCCI and exposed in the media- both print and electronic. Such dealers shall be recommended to be dealt with sternly and blacklisted by the concerned government agencies/Departments."