SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has raised alarm over the increasing reports of fake and imitation machine-made products being sold to unsuspecting tourists under the guise of authentic Kashmiri handicrafts. During a press conference on Monday, the KCCI voiced its concerns, describing the practice as a grave threat to the region’s traditional handicraft industry, which is renowned worldwide for its quality and craftsmanship.
“This is a matter of grave concern as such malpractices are bound to cut into the very roots of our traditional handicraft business,” a KCCI spokesperson said, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. The Chamber has made it a priority to take necessary steps to protect, preserve, and promote Kashmir’s handicrafts, which have a rich history dating back to the 14th century.
Kashmir’s handicraft industry, which flourished during the reign of Sultan Zainul Abidin in the 15th century, is famed for its diverse range of products. These include Pashmina shawls with intricate Sozni embroidery, mulberry silk products, carpets, tapestries, wood carvings, papier-mâché, and copperware. These items are celebrated for their exceptional quality and the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans who produce them.
However, recent complaints from tourists about being sold fake and machine-made items instead of genuine handicrafts have alarmed the KCCI. The Chamber has taken a strong stance against these unfair trade practices, considering them not only a crime against society but also a serious criminal offence that tarnishes Kashmir’s reputation.
“Some unscrupulous, short-sighted traders are indulging in this malpractice of selling machine-made products as authentic Kashmiri handicrafts to make a quick buck,” the spokesperson added. The KCCI emphasized that while it is not opposed to the sale of machine-made products, it cannot condone their sale under the false pretence of being genuine handicrafts.
The sale of fake products has begun to significantly impact the livelihoods of traders dealing in authentic handcrafted items. It has also shaken the confidence of visitors who discover they have been deceived into purchasing counterfeit goods at a premium price.
In response, the KCCI has proposed that shopkeepers, dealers, and showroom owners label their merchandise clearly to distinguish between genuine and machine-made products. The Chamber has urged all handicraft traders to attach proper labels to their products, providing accurate descriptions and compositions to assure customers of their authenticity.
The KCCI also issued a stern warning to traders engaging in deceptive practices. “The Chamber feels duty-bound to warn those traders who indulge in selling machine-made products as genuine Kashmiri handicrafts to desist from such unscrupulous business practices. Failing which, these traders will be identified by special squads of the KCCI and exposed in the media.”
The Chamber has indicated that it will recommend strict action, including blacklisting, against those found guilty of these practices by the relevant government agencies and departments. The KCCI’s proactive stance aims to safeguard Kashmir’s storied handicraft industry from further damage and ensure that visitors leave the region with genuine, high-quality products that reflect the true craftsmanship of Kashmir’s artisans.
