Assam: Sualkuchi Weavers Body Claim Counterfeit Clothes Sold As Original

GUWAHATI: Sualkuchi Weaving Crafts Industry Committee on Tuesday alleged that traders sell counterfeit dresses, made in textile mills outside the state, by claiming it to be woven in Assam's Sualkuchi.

The committee, while addressing the media, said the dishonest traders sell these clothes to customers saying that those were made by weavers in Sualkuchi.

Sualkuchi is often referred to as 'silk town' for the unique Muga and Assam silk textile handloom industry. All textiles are hand- woven, compared to the counterfeit textiles which are made in electricity- powered spinning and weaving machines in mills.

The committee members further said, "The textile industries of Sualkuchi is appreciated across Assam for its uniqueness and measures should be taken to prevent these traders from selling counterfeit clothes in the name of the place."

It was also alleged that, on September 3, a shop named 'Manju Silk' was selling counterfeit clothes to customers by claiming it to be weaved in Sualkuchi. The committee went up in arms at such blatant misuse of their town's name for commercial purposes and lodged a complaint with the police. Based on the complaint in this matter, a case has been lodged, sources confirmed.

"There is a plan going on to destroy the textile industry of Sualkuchi and the 'squad' formed by handicraft industry is silent today," the committee also said.

As many as 35,000 families are involved in Sualkuchi textile industries and foreign merchants are keeping an eye on this industry and so they urge authorities to take necessary measures against these traders.

There have been allegations that it is only during the Bihu season that the Handicraft department conducts raids at godowns and shops in Fancy Bazar to detect spurious mill- made textiles labeled as the handloom variety. At other times, they turn a blind eye to the spurious business conducted by these unscrupulous traders.

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