Stakeholders Unite to Protect Kashmiri Handicrafts from Counterfeits
FIRDOUS AHMAD
SRINAGAR, Sept 13: In a strong push to protect Kashmir’s world-renowned handicraft heritage, government officials, artisan representatives, and industry leaders gathered in Srinagar for a seminar titled “Safeguarding Handicrafts & Golden Hands of Kashmir – Authenticity Matters: Protecting the Pride of Kashmir.” The event was marked by firm assurances from the government and powerful calls from stakeholders to curb the alarming rise of counterfeit products threatening the Valley’s craft economy.
“No space for counterfeit sales” – Govt’s assurance
Director Handicrafts Masrat-ul-Islam delivered a categorical message that the government would tolerate no counterfeit sales in Kashmir’s markets. He stressed that institutional mechanisms were being reinforced to secure artisans’ livelihoods and strengthen authenticity frameworks. He also underlined the government’s welfare and promotional schemes, ensuring transparency and direct benefit delivery to grassroots artisans and business owners.
Artisan-centered approach reaffirmed
Supporting this commitment, Mir Zubair, Director IICT, pledged full institutional backing for artisan-centric initiatives. He noted that innovation must be combined with tradition to keep Kashmiri crafts competitive in global markets.
Sheikh Ashiq emphasizes GI protection
The seminar was jointly organized by Sheikh Ashiq, COA Member of the Carpet Export Promotion Council and Indian Silk Export Promotion Council, alongside Meeras Carpet Weavers Industrial Co-operative Limited, Kashmir Carpet Cluster Development Organization, Kashmir Carpet Manufacturers Association, Tahafuz, and Viraasat.
In his address, Sheikh Ashiq strongly emphasized the importance of Geographical Indication (GI) certification, declaring:
> “Since the introduction of the GI tag, no handmade carpet has been exported without GI certification. This is our strongest guarantee of authenticity. It is not just a legal requirement but a moral commitment to safeguard the reputation of Kashmir’s crafts.”
Ashiq’s intervention drew wide appreciation, as he highlighted how GI protection has become a frontline defense against counterfeit and machine-made imitations that have flooded global markets.
Cultural and economic concerns voiced
Poet and historian Zareef Ahmad Zareef highlighted the cultural significance of handicrafts as a pillar of Kashmiri identity. Mushtaq Ahmad, Consultant for VIRAASAT, called for blacklisting firms engaged in counterfeit trade. Parvez Ahmad Bhat, President of the Kashmir Handicraft Alliance, pressed for strict enforcement of laws to protect artisans’ livelihoods. Abdul Majeed, Chairman of Viraasat, demanded zero tolerance against fake products being falsely sold as Kashmiri crafts.
Industry voices also sounded concern. Bilal Ahmad Kawoosa welcomed ongoing departmental efforts but stressed the need for stronger vigilance and continued monitoring to curb counterfeiting effectively.
Counterfeiting poses grave risk to artisans
Speakers expressed alarm at the rising influx of counterfeit and machine-made carpets imported and falsely marketed as Kashmiri. They warned that this practice threatens the economic stability of thousands of artisans whose painstaking, handwoven work sustains the Valley’s centuries-old heritage.
Govt’s enforcement measures
Officials highlighted ongoing steps such as blacklisting firms, enforcing stricter labeling systems, and intensifying monitoring drives. However, participants pressed for faster and more effective implementation to safeguard the authenticity and survival of the handicraft sector.
Unified call for action – Authenticity Matters
The seminar concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen GI certification systems, intensify awareness campaigns, and empower artisan communities across Kashmir. Organizers announced that such drives would continue under the “Authenticity Matters” campaign to ensure Kashmir’s handicraft legacy is preserved and recognized for generations to come.
