Jammu and Kashmir Assembly erupts over Gulmarg fashion show amid Ramzan

A recently conducted outdoor fashion show in Gulmarg has ignited significant controversy in Jammu and Kashmir, as political figures and religious organizations have criticized the event for being “obscene” and disrespectful to religious feelings during the holy month of Ramzan. The outcry caused turmoil in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly on Monday, as several legislators called for an investigation into how such an incident could occur.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah spoke to the House, indicating that his administration was not involved in the incident and had previously called for an inquiry.

“The private event in Gulmarg hurt the sentiments of people. Such events should not take place at any time of the year, let alone during Ramzan,” Abdullah said. “Let me be clear: the government had no involvement. The organisers did not seek any permission from us. It was a private show held at a hotel,” he said.

Members of the governing National Conference (NC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and two Independent lawmakers openly expressed worries, calling for accountability and tighter regulations on these occurrences, especially during religious times.

Nonetheless, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the NC, PDP, and clerics, deeming it an exaggeration. His comments sparked intense debates in the Assembly, as members of the NC-Congress, PDP, and BJP entered into verbal confrontations for more than 25 minutes. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather consistently called for composure, reminding the assembly that the chief minister had already initiated an inquiry, rendering additional discussion unnecessary.

The event, hosted by the prestigious designer brand Shivan & Narresh, took place on March 7 to celebrate the brand’s 15th anniversary and present its skiwear collection. Nonetheless, videos and pictures from the fashion show rapidly spread online, attracting significant backlash from religious authorities and social media users.

Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq denounced the event as “outrageous,” declaring, “Indecency under the guise of promoting tourism will not be accepted.” Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone, known for his liberal views, also disapproved of the show, calling it an “eminently avoidable event.”

Raja Muzaffar Bhat, a social activist, also blasted the event, saying that the event was an attempt to demolish the moral and ethical values of Kashmir.

“Who allowed this nude fashion show at Gulmarg in Holy Ramzan? Semi-nude men and women walking on snow. Will the Tourism Department, CEO GDA throw some light? Why are you hell bound to demolish our moral, ethical, cultural and religious values (sic)?” he asked.