NEW DELHI: A fashion event held in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gulmarg during the sacred month of Ramzan has triggered widespread outrage, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah acknowledging the public’s resentment and vowing swift action.
The show, which featured models in revealing outfits, has been condemned by political and religious leaders, who argue it violates the region’s cultural ethos.
The controversy erupted after images and videos from the event circulated online, drawing criticism from various quarters, including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the region’s top cleric and Hurriyat (M) chairman.
Expressing his dismay on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Farooq labeled the event “disgraceful” and demanded accountability. “Shocking! That an indecent fashion show is organized in Gulmarg during Ramzan, defying the spiritual essence of Kashmir, is unacceptable.
Those responsible must be held accountable. This cannot be justified in the name of tourism,” he posted.
In response, the Chief Minister’s Office issued a statement, recognizing the public’s anger and ordering an official inquiry. “The distress and outrage are completely justified.
The images I have seen reflect a blatant disregard for local traditions, especially in this sacred period. My office has contacted local authorities, and I have requested a report within 24 hours. Appropriate action will follow,” the statement read.
Senior National Conference leader and Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also voiced his indignation, calling it an attack on Kashmir’s cultural fabric. “The visuals from Gulmarg are disturbing. This is nothing short of an assault on our values under the guise of tourism,” Mehdi posted on X, demanding immediate action against both tourism officials and event organizers.
President of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference and MLA, Sajad Gani Lone, in a post on X said “The fashion show in Gulmarg was an eminently avoidable event during the holy month of Ramadan. I consider myself a person of liberal orientation and believe in dignified and mutually respectful coexistence. However, this was not the best time to host such an event.”
Meanwhile, the Legislative Assembly erupted in chaos on Monday as lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties demanded a debate on the issue.
As soon as the session began, legislators rose from their seats, shouting slogans and disrupting proceedings. Despite repeated attempts by the Speaker to restore order, the commotion continued for nearly 20 minutes.
Clarifying the government’s stance, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated in the Assembly that the fashion show was a private affair with no official backing.
He criticized the event organizers, remarking that they had shown “a lack of common sense” in hosting such a program. “Some argue it should not have been held in Ramzan. I believe it should not have taken place in any month,” Abdullah asserted.
Despite the government distancing itself from the event, the Chief Minister confirmed that an inquiry had been launched, and if warranted, the matter would be referred to law enforcement for further investigation.
