Assembly erupts over Gulmarg show, Omar denies govt role

A fashion show held in Gulmarg last week during the ongoing month of Ramadan has sparked a major controversy in Jammu and Kashmir. On Monday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that the government had no involvement in the event, describing it as a “private affair.”

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The issue led to pandemonium during the ongoing Budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, with several legislators, including members of the National Conference, demanding a discussion on the fashion show, organised by fashion designers Shivan and Narresh on the snow-covered slopes of the famous tourist destination.

Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather stated that CM Omar Abdullah had already ordered an inquiry into the matter and therefore, the issue could not be debated further. However, the members continued to press for a discussion.

Addressing the house after the question hour, Abdullah confirmed that the government had ordered an inquiry and that “preliminary facts” had already surfaced.

The CM explained that the four-day event was organised by a private entity at a private hotel and the fashion show took place on March 7. “There are certain things that have come to the fore, which have hurt the sentiments of the people, and people are not wrong,” Abdullah said, adding that those who organised the event had “not applied their mind.”

Omar said the organisers failed to consider the sensitivities of the people and the timing of the event. “Some people said that this shouldn’t have happened in the pious month of Ramadan. I believe that what I saw there, leave the month of Ramadan, it should not have taken place any days of the year,” he remarked.

Stating that the government had no role in organising the event, Omar further clarified that it was a private affair hosted at a private hotel. “No permission was sought from the government. No money was taken from the government,” he said. “There was no use of government infrastructure, and no government officer was present at the event.”

Abdullah emphasised that the Gulmarg administration had been instructed to investigate any potential violations of law and hand the matter over to the police if necessary. “The government would not have given permission for such an event if permission would have been sought,” he stated.

As the controversy gained traction, videos of the event were widely circulated and subsequently removed by several platforms, including Elle India. The fashion show’s reception triggered strong criticism from political figures, including Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

Kashmir’s grand Mufti, Nasir-ul-Islam, described the event as a “cultural invasion” and warned of serious consequences if such events were repeated in the region.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti also expressed her dismay. She stated, “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.”

Mufti condemned the promotion of such events, saying, “It is deplorable that private hoteliers are allowed to promote such vulgarity through these events, which blatantly contradict our cultural values.” She added, “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.”