Mehbooba seeks crackdown on machine-made copperware

Srinagar, Oct 28: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to strictly enforce laws protecting traditional copperware artisans from machine-made products, saying mechanisation had severely affected the livelihoods of craftsmen who depend on handmade utensils for survival.
‎Speaking to reporters during a visit to downtown Srinagar, the former chief minister said traditional artisans were struggling to earn even a fraction of what they once made, despite legal provisions intended to protect their craft.
‎”An artisan who earlier earned Rs 1,000 a day is now struggling to earn even Rs 200 because of machines,” Mehbooba said.
‎She referred to legislation introduced during the tenure of former chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, which she said prohibited the machine-based production of 26 traditional handicraft items.
‎Mehbooba demanded strict implementation of the law, including action against those violating restrictions on machine-made products.
‎‎”There are 26 items that cannot be manufactured by machines and must be made by hand. The law provides for penalties against violators. It should be implemented to protect these artisans,” she said.
‎The PDP president also sought relief for craftsmen burdened by loans, saying their declining earnings had made repayment increasingly difficult.
‎She urged the government to consider waiving loans of around Rs 1.80 lakh taken by struggling artisans and extending greater financial support to families dependent on traditional crafts.
‎Referring to the historical significance of Kashmir’s handicraft sector, Mehbooba recalled the contribution of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, popularly known as Shah-e-Hamdan, to the development of traditional crafts in the Valley.
‎She said artisans working in small workshops had preserved these skills for generations but were now facing economic uncertainty.
‎The former chief minister also criticised the condition of roads and uncovered or damaged manholes in parts of downtown Srinagar, particularly around important religious places.
‎She said roads near Khanqah-e-Moula, Dastgeer Sahib and other historic localities required immediate attention, warning that pedestrians faced the risk of accidents.
‎”The condition of roads and manholes is very bad. If someone is not careful while walking, they could fall,” she said.
‎Mehbooba expressed hope that the newly inducted minister from Srinagar would pay attention to the difficulties faced by residents and traditional craftsmen in the old city.
‎She also raised concerns over poor maintenance and cleanliness at a local graveyard she had visited, saying overgrown grass and neglect had affected the dignity of the site.
‎”People come here to offer Fateha. There should be proper cleanliness and maintenance,” she said.
‎Mehbooba said downtown Srinagar held immense religious, cultural and historical importance and deserved better civic infrastructure and protection for its traditional livelihoods.
‎She added that she had prayed for Jammu and Kashmir to emerge from its present difficulties. (KNS)