Weavers In Assam's Silk Town Pin Hopes On New Government

Kumud Deka, a 48-year old weaver in Sualkuchi, has been creating magic with muga silk for three decades now. But he isn't sure how long he can sustain his trade.

"We are losing out to power loom products," says Mr Deka as he takes a break to make himself heard. "We need subsidized yarn from the government. It will help us compete," he adds.

He echoes the concern of nearly 11,000 weavers of Sualkuchi, Assam's silk town -- barely 30 km from Guwahati --that produces unique Muga and Erie silk. Bridal wear produced here is known all over the world for its design and quality.

However, cheaper varieties of silk produced on power looms elsewhere but sold as Sualkuchi silk are threatening the survival of the hand woven cloth and its producers - the weavers.

Sualkuchi is part of the Jalukbari constituency that has been represented by heavyweights like the late Bhrigu Kumar Phukan - one of the architects of the anti-foreigners movement in Assam - and more recently Himanta Biswa Sarma, a prominent Congress rebel who joined the BJP last year who has been representing the constituency since 2006.

But weavers say despite being part of a high profile seat, they had to revolt against cheap imitation and fakes.

Hira Lal Kalita, secretary of the local weavers' association, recalls how a weavers' protest exactly three years ago turned violent and the police resorted to firing to control the crowd. "Sualkuchi weavers wouldn't survive if they don't revolt against the cheap imitation," says Mr Kalita.

Now, they want a specific trade mark for Sualkuchi silk to protect themselves from the fakes. They also want the government's help in eliminating middlemen.

"We need a yarn bank here and a modern market where weavers can directly interact with exporters and buyers. This will help them get a better price and eliminate middlemen," explains Mr Kalita.