Excelsior Correspondent
![DC Kishtwar Mohd. Javed Khan inaugurating Handloom Mela at Kishtwar.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/page11-13-300x199.jpg)
KISHTWAR, Aug 17: District Development Commissioner Kishtwar Mohd. Javed Khan today inaugurated the District Handloom Mela 2014 in presence of SSP Kishtwar Sanjay Kotwal and other district officers at TRC Kishtwar.
The mela is being organised by Handloom Development Department J&K in collaboration with Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles New Delhi.
Almost 22 registered handloom cooperative societies from various parts of state are participating in this mela. All these cooperative societies have established their stalls showcasing rich tradition of handlooms in the state.
Traditional hand woven blankets, shawls, kurtas, coats and other items are centre of attraction in this five day mela which will conclude on 21st of August. A special discount of 10% has also been announced on all items.
Assistant Director Handloom Development Kishtwar Akhtar Hussain Qazi suggested various measures to give boost to Handlooms sector in remote Marwah, Warwan and Padder regions. Extension Officer Handlooms Saidullah Khanji apprised the audience about various schemes being run by the Department for development of handlooms. Speaking on the occasion SSP Kishtwar Sanjay Kotwal expressed concern about the dwindling crafts in this sector and asked for preserving the rich art of hanlooms and handicrafts.
DC Kishtwar said that new handloom clusters are being created in the district which will benefit the common people associated with handloom sector. He said that this traditional craft has potential for generating huge employment and revenue for the state and youth should come forward to adopt and promote handlooms in emerging markets.