SRINAGAR, Jun 20: A general meeting of the members of Meeras Carpet Weavers’ Industrial Cooperative Ltd. was held today at the IICT Complex, Srinagar, to discuss the present situation of the Kashmir Silk Hand-Knotted Carpet Industry.
The Executive Body of Meeras Carpet Weavers’ Industrial Cooperative Ltd., which was already constituted through elections held on 18-04-2024, was present in the meeting. The office bearers include Farooq Ah. Shah as President, Fayaz Ah. Wani as Vice President, Bashir Ah. Dar as General Secretary, Javid Ah. Darzi as Secretary, Ghulam Mohammad Bhat as Joint Secretary, and Firdous Ahmad Bhat as Treasurer.
During the meeting, Farooq Ahmed Shah, President of Meeras Carpet Weavers’ Industrial Cooperative Ltd., along with the members, unanimously expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for promoting Kashmir’s traditional craft at the international level by presenting a Kashmiri handmade Silk Carpet to the Prime Minister of Slovakia.
The members stated that Kashmiri silk carpets are prestigious hand-knotted crafts from the Kashmir Valley, especially the Srinagar region. Crafted from high-quality natural silk, these carpets are known for their intricate floral, paisley, vine and medallion designs inspired by Kashmir’s rich artistic traditions and natural beauty. They said such recognition gives global visibility to Kashmir’s centuries-old handmade carpet heritage and brings pride to the artisan community.
The members also expressed serious concern over the challenges being faced by artisans, weavers, manufacturers and exporters associated with the Kashmir Silk Carpet Industry. They highlighted that machine-made carpets, mostly imported from Iran and Turkey, are being sold in different showrooms as Kashmiri handmade carpets, posing a serious threat to the traditional handmade carpet sector of Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, Farooq Ahmed Shah urged the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to kindly intervene and safeguard the livelihood of Kashmir’s artisans and weavers. The members appealed for strict measures to protect genuine Kashmir handmade carpets and preserve the centuries-old craft heritage of the region.
The Executive Body further resolved to appoint Sheikh Ashiq, former President of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and a renowned exporter, as Patron of Meeras Carpet Weavers’ Industrial Cooperative Ltd. The members requested him to guide and support the body in addressing key issues concerning the Kashmir Silk Carpet Industry, including GI protection, promotion of Kashmir Hand-Knotted Carpets, and office space requirements.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution to take up these issues with the concerned government departments and authorities for the welfare, protection and promotion of the Kashmir Silk Hand-Knotted Carpet Industry.