Soz assures early resolution of artisans� problems

Excelsior CorrespondentSRINAGAR, June 29: Former Union Minister and president J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz, today addressed a largely attended gathering of artisans drawn from Kashmir valley particularly down town Srinagar and assured them that�their problems would be sorted out for early resolution.Prof Soz was speaking at IMPA Srinagar in a seminar organized by Majestic Voluntary Organization in collaboration with Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The main topic�under discussion was �Brand Building and Promotion of Copper Wear Craft in J&K State�.The leaders of the artisans representing various Crafts particularly Copper and Pashmina explained in detail their problems and difficulties�which had reduced the community of artisans to extreme poverty. The artisans of various crafts, in one voice,�demanded that machines and machine made craft products have to be banned in J&K State, so that the world famous handicrafts are revived�to the advantage of the artisans.The Artisans also demanded the supply of raw materials�of proper quality. They further demanded that that a permanent space be provided for production,�display and sale of products and this should be done through the Government Department meant�for development of Handicrafts in J&K State.Prof Soz assured them that he would bring their demands�to the competent authorities in the department concerned and also invite Minister of Industries for appreciating the difficulties faced by the artisans in Kashmir.