Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 21: Former PCC president Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz has expressed serious concern over the total neglect of the artisans of Kashmir.
In a press statement Prof Soz regretted that the artisans pursuing various crafts – Khatamband, Pashmina shawls, Copper works, Wood works, Paper Machie and all other skills live in an atmosphere of hopelessness and poverty of resources. In recent years, their plight has touched a new low as they suffer total neglect of the system be it the Govt or the private sector economic activity.
“I did try to help them out of the morass of helplessness, but nothing substantial could be done as the power elite of J&K State had advertently or inadvertently become the supporters of the tormentors of the Artisans”, he said.
“The Artisans invited me to a May Day celebration at Ali Masjid compound on 01-05-2013 and I joined them and together we raised our voice for amelioration of their (Artisans) lot. But, nothing changed for the class of Artisans,” he maintained.
It is the matter of concern that why the Artisans do not get a deal through the system despite the fact that their tormentors have gained positions in public and private financial institutions concerned with Trade, Commerce and Industry, particularly with the manufacturing Industry. It does not require a deep study to understand that, for instance, production of Pashmina Shawls and copper utensils through machines are banned under J&K State Govt’s Acts, Soz said.
The Artisans have moved from pillar to post to seek relief under these Acts. It is obvious that nothing moves in their favour. Instead, the persons involved in production of the commodities through machines have gained access to the very institutions that are supposed to provide succor to them, Soz added.
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