Srinagar: A delegation of stakeholders from Kashmir’s handmade carpet industry, led by prominent businessman Sheikh Ashiq, has submitted an urgent representation to the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, seeking immediate government intervention to curb the sale of counterfeit carpets falsely marketed as authentic Kashmiri handwoven pieces.
Sheikh Ashiq, a Board Director of the Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) and the Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC), and former President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was joined by key industry representatives including Faiz Nissar (In-charge, CEPC Regional Office, Srinagar), Firdous Ahmad and Fayaz Ahmad Wani (Kashmir Carpet Cluster Development Organization), Ghulam Nabi Dar (Chairman, MEERAS Carpet Weavers Cooperative), and Farooq Ahmad Shah (General Secretary, Kashmir Carpet Manufacturers Association).
The delegation raised serious concern over the increasing trend of machine-made carpets, including imported ones, being misrepresented and sold as handmade Kashmiri carpets in government-registered showrooms labeled as “Handlooms,” “Heritage,” and “Arts & Crafts.” They warned that this unethical practice is not only eroding the credibility of Kashmir’s globally renowned craft but also threatening the livelihoods of thousands of traditional artisans.
“Our handmade carpets reflect the heart and soul of Kashmir’s culture. Allowing fraudulent carpets to be sold under our heritage’s name not only deceives loyal customers but devastates the very communities that dedicate their lives to keeping this craft alive,” said Sheikh Ashiq.
The representation calls for a complete ban on the display and sale of machine-made carpets in registered handicraft outlets, alongside mandatory signage to inform customers that only genuine handmade items are sold. It also advocates for the formation of a joint enforcement task force comprising government officials and industry representatives to monitor and ensure compliance through inspections and penalties.
In addition, the delegation urged the government to regulate imports more strictly and impose higher duties on foreign carpets, many of which are allegedly sold in Indian cities like Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, and Goa as Kashmiri handmade carpets.
Framing the issue as both an economic and cultural crisis, the delegation warned that inaction could lead to irreparable damage to Kashmir’s artisanal identity and urged the government to act swiftly to safeguard the industry, restore consumer trust, and preserve the region’s centuries-old heritage.
