Srinagar, April 12 -- Asif Malik

Expressing concern over the rapid decline of Kashmir's traditional paper mache craft, a veteran artist from the valley has called for urgent government intervention to preserve the heritage art and generate livelihood opportunities for unemployed youth.

Zulfiqar Ali Naqash, a seasoned paper mache artist who inherited the craft from his father, told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) that he has been practising the art since childhood and now wishes to pass on his skills to the next generation. "I learned it at an early age and have tried to continue this work. If we are provided space in schools, we can hold classes, because children here also need employment," he said.

Naqash said, "Earlier, I made...