Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union affiliates with KTMF

Ziraat Times News Desk

Srinagar,16 May: In a major new  development, the Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union, representing approximately 15,000 artisans and workers, formally affiliated with the Kashmir Traders & Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) during a ceremony held today at the historic office of the Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union at Kadi Kadal, Srinagar.

On the occasion Chairman Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union Jan Mohammad Misgar and President Mohammad Arshid Ahmad Khan  were felicitated by KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan in recognition of their efforts and commitment towards preserving and promoting the interests of Kashmir’s traditional copper workers and artisans. The ceremony was attended by the Working Body of the Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union, besides senior KTMF members including Qazi Tauseef, Bashir Ahmad Rather, Peer Intikhab Alam, Abdul Majeed Khan, Shabir Ahmad Naqash, Javaid Iqbal Bujja and Nisar Ahmad Shahdar who were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering Jan Mohammad Misgar Chairman of Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union highlighted the serious challenges confronting the traditional copper industry in Kashmir. He stated that thousands of artisans associated with this historic craft are facing immense difficulties due to the growing influx of machine made products which have severely affected the livelihood of local copper workers and damaged the sustainability of traditional craftsmanship. He expressed concern that generations old artisan skills are increasingly under threat as handmade copper products struggle to compete with mass produced alternatives flooding the market. He emphasised the urgent need for institutional support, policy intervention and collective efforts to protect the interests of workers dependent on this sector.

Senior KTMF leader Bashir Ahmad Rather addressed the gathering and elaborated on the role, ambit and importance of KTMF as the apex trade organization of Jammu & Kashmir. He stated that KTMF has historically played a crucial role in raising issues concerning traders, manufacturers, artisans and various sections of society and has consistently acted as a united platform representing collective concerns before the authorities. He said the inclusion of Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union into the KTMF family would further strengthen the organization and provide an institutional platform to thousands of artisans associated with the trade.

Speaking on the occasion KTMF President Mohammad Yaseen Khan warmly welcomed the Kashmir Copper Workers Trade Union into KTMF and assured the members of full support and cooperation in addressing their grievances and concerns. Mohammad Yaseen Khan stated that Kashmir’s traditional copper craft is not merely a business activity but forms an important part of the Valley’s rich cultural and historical heritage which must be preserved and protected. He assured the artisans that KTMF would strongly take up their issues with concerned authorities and make every possible effort to safeguard the interests of copper workers and traditional craftsmen. He further said that KTMF remains committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with every trader, manufacturer, artisan and worker and would continue to work towards strengthening traditional industries and protecting livelihoods.

The participants expressed hope that this affiliation would open a new chapter for the welfare and upliftment of copper workers and provide them with a stronger collective platform to voice their concerns and seek solutions to longstanding issues.