instead of saving the endangered Tibetan antelope, the Jammu and Kashmir government looks determined to protect illegal manufacturers of shatoosh shawls through its proposed wildlife law. Shahtoosh is an exotic wool that is extracted from Chiru, the Tibetan animal. People slaughter the animal before extracting shahtoosh.
A draft on the J&K Wildlife (protection) Act would soon be placed before the State Legislature for an amendment. According to sources, a ban on shahtoosh does not figure in the draft. Environmentalists from the worldover had been demanding to take strict measures so that the endangered animal could be saved.
However, it is reported that the powerful and politically strong lobby of Kashmiri shahtoosh traders have managed to influence the government. Some politicians in the ruling National Conference have favoured the trade which is declared illegal under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of fauna and flora.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.