By Zaid Malik

Srinagar January 10 (KNS): In the charming hamlet of Sanderkoot, under the spell of the beautiful lands of North Kashmir's Bandipora district, the centuries-old art of stone carving was leaning towards extinction. The gifted artisans known for their sophisticated styles have been dealt a life-long blow with the ban on mining set in 2019. Sitting very much alone in the ruins of those dusty shops that once crackled with life, addicted to an overwhelming tide of sorrow and despair, Shakeel Ahmad, who is a third-generation stone carver, said in an emotional outburst that "This craft has been our identity, our pride, our bread since generations." he added, "It is as if we have been bound hand and foot with a gag placed on our mouths.”
The ban on mining, introduced to protect the natural resources of the area, had left the stone carvers with no access to the devere stone, the most important of all their sources. This, against the government's honest attempts, had provided no thought to the ruinous effects it would have on the livelihoods of hundreds of families. Shakeel's story, as it progresses, shows that the dilemma and the pickle of the stone carvers is not only about their skill but also about their survival. It was the story of cultural heritage being transmitted from generation to generation and a pillage for their traditional way of life. Seated in a small and dim room with her little ones, Haleema Begum, the wife of a stone carver, looked grim, her face showing the signs of deep worry. "We don't want anyone's favor," she said with confidence.

"We want to work. We want to earn our living with dignity." After the sun had disappeared completely and the village started to glow under the golden light, the stone carvers came together in a corner that was a little away from the group, and their faces were slightly visible only from the screen light of the mobile phones. They communicated in low voices, their voices infused with the mixed emotions of desperation and determination. "We will not concede defeat," affirmed Mushtaq Ahmad, an experienced stone mason. "We will rally to keep our tradition, our culture, and our livelihood.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelWe won't let our culture vanish." By the time the sky started turning a little lighter, stone carvers had gone separate ways, feeling hopelessness in such perplexing times like this. But, in the scope of the night, a fragile glimpse of hope ignited. Stone carvers of Sanderkoot managed to pull themselves together in spirit despite the challenges faced, and they could give themselves a new purpose to contest for their rights and ensure the transmission of their rich cultural heritage to future generations. The struggle of the stone carvers was not just about their craft but also about their identity. It was about preserving a centuries-old tradition that had been passed down through generations. It was about fighting for their rights and for the right to continue their traditional way of life.

The stone carvers of Sanderkoot did not give up in their fight for their rights. They talked to the politicians, making the government interested in their problem. They arranged demonstrations and meetings. They initiated a social media campaign to let people know of the help they need. And so, gradually, their endeavors got to bring about the desired outcome. The administration, becoming aware of the terrible influence of the mining ban on the stone carvers, started to take action to address the issue; a committee in charge to look into the matter was established, and a solution that is beneficial to both the stone carvers and the environment was formed. The stone carvers of Sanderkoot were thrilled when they heard the news. They had fought valiantly for their rights and to pursue their traditional lifestyle. So it goes; their endeavors were eventually fruitful. As the day began, the stone engravers stood, which collected in the yard rejoicing and enjoying the peace among them. With tremendous solace, they warmly welcomed each other with a tight hug, and happy tears rolled down. "We made it," Shakeel Ahmad declared, his emotional voice explaining. "We fought for our rights, and we got them. We will keep our cultural heritage alive and pass it to our offspring." The stone carvers of Sanderkoot saw many difficult days, yet they came out winners. They had used their right to vote, and that ensured them to have advantages. On the other hand, they walked home full of jubilation, and their souls beamed.(KNS)