Srinagar, Apr 15 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the opposition INDIA bloc must collectively decide its response to the proposed delimitation-related parliamentary bill. He also launched a major craft promotion initiative at Kashmir Haat under the Soulful Kashmir campaign.
Speaking to reporters here, CM Abdullah, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said he will attend a meeting of the INDIA bloc in New Delhi at the residence of Mallikarjun Kharge to deliberate on a joint strategy.
“We cannot act alone. The INDIA bloc will have to decide together what our response will be and what role we will play in Parliament, whether in the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha,” he said.
Raising concerns over past delimitation exercises, he alleged that constituency restructuring was carried out in a manner that benefited the BJP and its allies. “The way seats were distributed, constituencies carved, maps drawn and voters shifted, the purpose appeared to favour a particular political side,” he said.
The CM added that if the proposed bill follows a similar pattern, it will require close scrutiny. “If it is meant to benefit a particular party rather than the common voter, it has to be examined carefully. The opposition will deliberate collectively before taking a stand,” he said.
He referred to key aspects of the proposed legislation, including a possible increase in Lok Sabha seats and provisions for women’s representation.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the ‘Know Your Artisan’ programme at Kashmir Haat under the Handicrafts and Handloom Department’s ‘Soulful Kashmir’ initiative aimed at strengthening Brand Jammu & Kashmir and promoting its rich craft heritage.
On the occasion, he also inaugurated a GI Testing Lab, Giant LED Video Walls, and launched high-precision fibre analysis equipment along with DesignNWeave software developed by IICT Srinagar.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLAs and senior officials of the Industries & Commerce Department were present.
The Chief Minister inspected live demonstration units under the “Try Your Hands” segment, aimed at giving visitors an immersive experience of the craftsmanship process. He even tried the warping of yarn used in Pashmina weaving and appreciated prototypes developed by design institutions.
Omar later visited the main exhibition gallery, where around 30 display-cum-sale counters featuring authentic handmade products have been set up and interacted with Shilp Gurus and award-winning artisans.
Addressing the gathering, Abdullah described craftsmen as the “true ambassadors” of Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage.
“The entire spectrum of our craftsmanship, from Kani and Pashmina shawls to chain stitch, copper work and wood carving, is being showcased. We often do not realise the magic in the hands of our artisans,” he said.
He said the initiative aims to provide artisans direct market access, ensure fair value for their work and strengthen the authenticity of traditional products.
Calling for greater outreach, the CM directed the department to institutionalise the programme and organise such events more frequently. “These golden hands deserve a larger platform,” he said.
Omar urged people to visit Kashmir Haat. “People should come and witness world-class crafts shaped by the magical hands of Kashmiri artisans. Such visits also directly support local livelihoods,” he added.
The Chief Minister also flagged concerns over the decline of traditional markets, noting that several heritage marketplaces that thrived before the 1990s have become defunct. “We need to understand where our artisans have gone and how to bring them back,” he said.
Abdullah said the previous incentive policy expired in September, and a revised framework is being prepared. “There is no benefit if incentives remain only on paper and do not translate on the ground. There is no investment, no factories come up,” he said.
Omar said the government is consulting both existing unit holders and prospective investors. “By combining their feedback, we aim to frame a practical and effective policy that boosts investment and industry,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister further refused to cut a tricolour ribbon at the event, instead choosing to respectfully unwrap it, underscoring the dignity and sanctity attached to the national flag—(KNO)