Srinagar, July 23 -- In a much-needed step toward protecting the sanctity of Kashmiri handicrafts, the Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, has blacklisted and deregistered The Kashmir Art Bazaar showroom in north Kashmir's Tangmarg on Tuesday, July 21 for selling a machine-made carpet worth Rs.2.55 lakh under the false pretense of it being a genuine hand-knotted, GI-certified Kashmiri carpet. This action not only sends a stern warning to those engaging in fraudulent practices but also reinforces the government's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Kashmiri art and artisans. Kashmir's handicrafts-especially hand-knotted carpets, Pashmina shawls, and paper-mache items-are not just commercial goods but cultural artefact...