‘Revive traditional lock making art in State’

SHILLONG: Maitshaphrang Movement (MSM) convener Michael Syiem has asked the State government to revive the businesses of traditional Khasi locksmiths which is on the verge of extinction.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, Syiem said he has opened a stall to display traditional Khasi locks in the ongoing ITM 2015 and international delegates were amazed at the skills of the Khasi locksmiths.
“They said they have never seen such locks,” Syiem said, adding traditional Khasi locks are hand made out of scrap materials.
Asserting that the art was disappearing, he informed that only one family in Laitlyngkot whose third generation is engaged in the art of making the locks and even they have recently stopped making locks.
Syiem suggested that traditional locks may be used as souvenir for tourists who visit the State and added that the lock making business should be revived to generate employment opportunities.
At present the art of making traditional locks is being practiced by one Dipsi, resident of Laitlyngkot who is assisted by two other persons.