Srinagar, Sept. 15 -- Kashmir's handicrafts are not merely commercial products. For those associated with them, they are stories woven into fabric, carved into walnut wood, and etched into papier-mache. Our artisans have kept alive traditions that blend artistry, heritage, and livelihood for centiries. From the intricate Pashmina shawl to the timeless Kani weave, every piece carries the weight of history, efforts of blood and sweat, and the pride of a people. Yet, our priceless cultural legacy is facing a grave threat of rising counterfeits and machine-made imitations that have flooded markets, eroded trust and robbed our artisans of their rightful due. It is against this backdrop that a senior officer of the Directorate of Handicrafts re...