Behind the Counterfeit Curtain: Kashmir’s Handicraft Battle
Srinagar: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has sounded an alarm over the rampant sale of fake and machine-made products masquerading as authentic Kashmiri handicrafts.
In a press conference held today, KCCI President Javid Ahmad Tenga expressed deep concern over the practice, stating that it is not only damaging the reputation of Kashmir’s rich handicraft heritage but also causing significant financial loss to genuine artisans and traders.
“This is a shameful practice that is cutting into the very roots of our traditional handicraft business,” Tenga said. “We are committed to protecting and promoting the authentic craftsmanship that Kashmir is renowned for.”
The chamber has vowed to take strict action against those involved in selling fake products, including identifying them and exposing them in the media.
Kashmir’s handicraft industry, with its roots dating back centuries, has been a cornerstone of the state’s economy. Products like Pashmina shawls, Sozni embroidery, carpets, and papier-mâché have enjoyed global acclaim for their unparalleled quality and craftsmanship. However, the influx of fake products has eroded consumer trust and impacted the livelihoods of artisans.
The KCCI has urged tourists to be vigilant and to purchase handicrafts only from authorized dealers. The chamber is also working on a labeling system to distinguish between genuine and machine-made products.
PRESS RELEASE
I welcome and thank all of you for attending this important press conference called by KCCI in the wake of reports and complaints being received about sale of fake and imitation machine-made products to gullible tourists in the name of Kashmir handicraft products.,
This is a matter of grave concern as such mal-practice is bound to cut into the very roots of our traditional handicraft business.
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 world over for the high quality use of material used and its incomparable craftsmanship.
We all know 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.
The Kashmir handicrafts began to flourish in the 15th century during the reign of Sultan Zainul Abidin.
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.
Fine textiles like Pashmina with intricate Sozni embroidery saw a major surge during the Moghuls who patronised it.
The handicrafts played a crucial role in the State economy providing employment to a various sections of society viz artisans (men and women), cottage level to trading communities and export houses which contributed to growth of handicrafts .
But unfortunately we in recent times 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.
The KCC&I executive has taken a serious note of such unfair trade practices and consider 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.
It has been found that some unscrupulous short-sighted traders indulge in mal-practice of selling machine-made products in the name of handicrafts to make a quick buck.
It needs to be made clear that 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.
The sale of fake products has badly started affecting the traders dealing in genuine handcrafted products.
It has also shattered the confidence of visitors on knowing they have been cheated with fake/ machine made items sold to them in the name of Kashmiri handicrafts products they paid for.
The KCC&I suggests the shopkeepers/ dealers / showroom owners label their merchandise in order 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.
The KCC&I feels duty bound to warn those traders who indulge in selling machine-made product 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 black listed by the concerned government agencies /Departments.
Javid Ahmad Tenga
President
KCC&I
