Amritsari shawls

Amritsari shawls being sold on name of Kashmir

Selling Amritsari shawls in the name of Kashmiri shawls outside State is a common thing. But selling them in Kashmir in exhibition is unheard of.

The exhibition on the bank of Dal lake in Tangbagh is going on for past two weeks and it is selling Amritsari branded as Kashmiri shawls. "The stall holders sell cosmetics, garments and other things. There are some who sell Amratsari shawls in the name of Kashmir. This is a malpractice and needs to be stopped. This brings disrepute to Kashmir and Kashmiri shawl businessmen," said Javed Ahmad, a shawl businessman.

"Kashmir is known for its shawls and other handmade articles, but exhibitions like the one going on at Tangbagh are not good for the health of Kashmir art. It is imperative that such exhibitions are properly monitored and the violators are accounted for their actions," said Mohammad Ayub, another shawl businessman.

The shawl businessmen demanded that Department of Handicrafts should immediately carry out raids on the exhibition so that action is taken against the violators.

The person organizing the exhibition is going to organize similar exhibitions at Doda and Kargil areas. The shawl businessmen apprehend that he might carry out the malpractice at these exhibitions as well.

When contacted Director Handicrafts, Munshi Muzaffar Hussain said he would depute a team of the officials to the exhibition. He said the Handicrafts Department will ensure that quality is maintained as far as sale of shawls is concerned.