Handicraft is economic strength of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar

Srinagar: Describing handicrafts as economic strength of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said amalgamation of modern trends with antique and traditional styles of art and craft forms could provide yet another innovative medium to attract world market and showcase the artistic skills and amazing craftsmanship of the state.
However, he stressed the need for preservation of ages-old arts and crafts of Jammu and Kashmir.
When the educated youth incorporate their innovatine and pioneering talent and ability in the traditional handicrafts manufacturing sector, a new chapter of master craftsmanship will be written with lot of promises and economic affluence, he said and asked the handicrafts department to redouble its efforts to restore the glory of Kashmir handicrafts ensuring substantial remunerations for artisans.
Speaking at a function after inaugurating the 15-day craft mela at Kashmir Haat (Exhibition ground), here last evening, the Chief Minister said the economic strength of the state was in the development of handicrafts and progress of the artisans.
The Chief Minister stressed on proper utilisation of Kashmir Haat for the promotion of handicrafts and providing opportunities to the artisans to sell their handicraft items directly removing the middlemen who take the lion’s share of their hard work.
He told the handicrafts department to organise regular series of activities in the Haat with mega handicrafts mela once or twice a year.
Mr Abdullah also underlined the need for symbiotic relations between the artisans of Jammu and Kashmir and the rest of the country.
“During the pleasant summers you can invite your counterparts from rest of the country and ask them to earn with you here,” he said, adding that they can reciprocate it by inviting you to their states during winter months for business.
He said it would create direct liaison between the craftsmen of the states with the artisans in other parts of the country and open new vistas of economic welfare.