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.
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.
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.
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