Uproar in J&K Assembly; No Role of J&K Government in Gulmarg Fashion Show: Omar Abdullah
Indian Lifestyle Brand Apologizes for Misstep During Ramadan Celebrations
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Mar 10: A controversy has erupted in Jammu and Kashmir over an ‘obscene’ fashion show held at the world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg during Ramadan. Amid the outrage, the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed chaos on Monday in connection to the ongoing controversy.
According to a Kashmir Despatch Correspondent, as the House assembled for the day, members of Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling National Conference (NC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and two Independents raised the issue and demanded a probe into how such an event could take place while people were observing day-long Ramzan fasts.
Members of the opposition BJP, however, criticized the “unwarranted” reaction to the event, stating that all types of views must be accepted.
In his address, the Chief Minister said that his government has already ordered a probe into the matter.
“The private event which took place in Gulmarg hurt the sentiments of people. Such events shouldn’t happen at any time of the year. I want to set the record straight: the government has nothing to do with the fashion show. They (organizers) didn’t seek any permission from us. It was a private show organized at a hotel,” he explained.
“If rules have been violated, the matter should be handed over to the police. But I want to make it clear that my government has no involvement.”
The BJP, however, slammed the NC, PDP, and clerics for creating a controversy over the fashion show, calling the “outrage unwarranted.”
“Flames of conservatism are being stoked in the Kashmir Valley. We need to develop an acceptance of all kinds of views and thoughts,” said MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania.
Shortly after the legislator’s remarks, noisy scenes and verbal duels erupted between members of the NC-Congress, PDP, and BJP for over 25 minutes.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather repeatedly requested the members to remain calm, stating that he would give time to members after the Question Hour, but disruptions continued. He told the protesting legislators that since an inquiry into the incident has been ordered by the Chief Minister, it cannot be discussed in the House.
The event, videos of which were shared extensively on social media and featured models walking on snow, sparked widespread outrage among local religious and political leaders, including Hurriyat Conference chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who termed it ‘outrageous.’
“Outrageous! That in the holy month of Ramzan, an obscene fashion show is organized in Gulmarg. Pictures and videos from the event have gone viral, sparking shock and anger among people. How could this be tolerated in a valley known for its Sufi, saint culture, and the deeply religious outlook of its people?” Mirwaiz, the Valley’s head priest, said in a post on X.
Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, began last Sunday. Kashmir is a Muslim-majority region. “Those involved should be immediately held accountable. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in #Kashmir!” Mirwaiz added.
The Peoples Democratic Party chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said labeling the fashion show as a “private” event was not enough.
“It is deeply troubling to witness vulgar images from the recent fashion show in Gulmarg. The fact that such an event, which descended into an indecent spectacle, took place during the sacred month of Ramadan is nothing short of shocking. It is deplorable that private hoteliers are allowed to promote such vulgarity through these events, which blatantly contradict our cultural values,” the PDP leader said.
“The government cannot simply absolve itself of responsibility by labeling this a private affair. Shrugging off accountability could pave the way for more such events, ultimately inflicting severe damage on our culture and society,” she added in a social media post.
Member of Parliament from central Kashmir, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, also expressed shock over reports of the indecent fashion show during the holy month of Ramadan.
“The images from Gulmarg are shocking. This is what cultural invasion in the disguise of tourism looks like. They show an utter disregard for Kashmiri sentiments,” the Office of Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi posted on X.
“The Tourism department officials involved should be immediately taken to task, as well as the organizers,” the post added.
Meanwhile, the organizers of the fashion show in Jammu and Kashmir, in which men and women posed in skimpy attire, have apologized after pictures from the event sparked a massive row and drew strong political reactions from key players in the Union Territory.
Shivan and Narresh, a luxury brand that specializes in holiday wear, said in a statement that it deeply regretted the hurt caused by the event in Gulmarg.
“We deeply regret any hurt caused by our recent presentation in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan. Our sole intention was to celebrate creativity and the ski & apres-ski lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments,” the statement read.
“Respect for all cultures and traditions is at our heart, and we acknowledge the concerns raised. We sincerely apologize for any unintended discomfort and appreciate the feedback from our community. We remain committed to being more mindful and respectful,” the organizers said.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
