Fake Handicrafts Threaten Kashmiri Artisan Economy

Imagine people making beautiful, handmade carpets and shawls in Kashmir.

Now, some people are selling cheap, machine-made versions and tricking people into thinking they're the real thing.

This hurts the real artists because their work doesn't sell, and it makes it harder for them to earn money.

The government is trying to stop this by giving special labels (GI status) to real Kashmiri crafts and asking tourists to report fake items.

But, despite these efforts, the fake items are still being sold, making it difficult for the genuine artisans to thrive.