The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir has taken decisive action against Craft India, a shop located in Reram Kunzar, following a complaint from a tourist. The tourist reported being sold a machine-made carpet falsely advertised as handmade for INR 2,27,000, with the payment made via electronic transfer.
As per officials, “Upon receiving the complaint, the Department immediately ceased the operations of Craft India. The shop, owned by Mursaleen Ahmad Yatoo, son of Ghulam Rasool Yatoo from S.D Colony, Sanat Nagar, has been blacklisted for its fraudulent practices.”
Further investigation revealed the shop’s failure to issue a proper GST bill to the customer. Consequently, the matter has been referred to the Sales Tax Department for further action. The Department has also seized the consignment from the shop and is investigating a potential nexus between the shopkeeper and a taxi driver involved in such deceptive activities.
This crackdown follows a meeting held on July 9, 2024, with prominent dealers and showroom owners from the Srinagar-Narbal-Tangmarg-Gulmarg tourist corridor. During the meeting, stakeholders were strongly urged to avoid malpractices and the misbranding of handmade products. They were specifically warned against selling and marketing machine-made merchandise as handmade.
The Department reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of Kashmir’s handicrafts and handloom sector. It advised all stakeholders to adhere to the rules governing the sector strictly. Any deviations or malpractices will be met with stringent actions to protect the interests of genuine artisans and preserve the authenticity of Kashmir’s rich heritage.
People associated with the Handicrafts and Handloom sector told Rising Kashmir that many shops are deceiving tourists by selling them fake products. Such acts by vested interests send the wrong message about this industry and endanger the sector.
A senior member associated with Handicrafts and Handloom said the government should launch a Kashmir-wide crackdown to combat this illegal menace, adding that strict action should be taken against those involved in this crime.
