Srinagar, July 25 -- This isn't an isolated scam. It's a pattern of betrayal across Kashmir's handicraft market, and it's finally being called out.

The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, has issued a firm notice to all registered dealers. They have seven days to remove every machine-made item from their showrooms or face blacklisting, deregistration, and legal action. The warning also applies to faked QR labels, misbranding, and tampered tags. Showrooms found violating the Jammu & Kashmir Tourist Trade Act will be dealt with under the law.

It should never have come to this.

Dealers had signed affidavits promising to sell only genuine, handmade crafts. Still, inspections revealed showrooms across Kashmir showcasing machine...