Uproar In J&K Assembly Over 'Vulgar' Fashion Show In Gulmarg During Ramadan; CM Omar Abdullah Orders Probe

A fashion show held in Gulmarg, a well-known winter tourist destination, during the holy month of Ramadan has sparked a major political row.

The backlash prompted Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to request a report on Sunday, while the state assembly witnessed heated exchanges between the opposition and treasury benches over the event on Monday.

The fashion show, reportedly showcasing a ski-wear collection, took place in Gulmarg on 7 March as part of a prominent ski festival.

Several images from the event have gone viral on social media, triggering criticism, particularly given the timing during the Muslim fasting month.

Taking to social media platform X, People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti described the images as "deeply troubling," stating:

"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 former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister added that the government could not absolve itself of responsibility by dismissing it as a private affair.

"Shrugging off accountability could pave the way for more such events, ultimately inflicting severe damage on our culture and society," she remarked.

Omar Abdullah, in response, stated that appropriate action would be taken once the report is submitted to him within 24 hours.

Kashmir's chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also condemned the event, asserting that obscenity in the name of tourism promotion would not be tolerated.

Expressing his views on X, Umar Farooq said: "Outrageous! That in the holy month of Ramzan, an obscene fashion show is organised in #Gulmarg, pictures and videos from which have gone viral, sparking shock and anger among people.

"How could it be tolerated in the valley known for its Sufi, saint culture and the deeply religious outlook of its people?"

He further demanded accountability for those responsible for organising the event:

"Those involved should be immediately held accountable. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in #Kashmir!"

Responding to the Mirwaiz's post, Omar Abdullah acknowledged the public outrage, stating:

"The shock and anger are totally understandable. The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities, and that too during this holy month.

"My office has been in touch with the local authorities, and I've asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report."

The Chief Minister's Office later shared Abdullah's post.

Speaking to the media, Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary commented:

"Omar Abdullah has already given his statement on this issue and has initiated an inquiry into it. I don't think I need to say anything further."

Uproar in J&K Assembly

During the assembly session, members of the National Conference, the People's Democratic Party, and two independent MLAs stood up to raise the issue of the fashion show, condemning it as "obscene" and claiming it had hurt public sentiments.

The MLAs demanded an investigation into how such an event was permitted during Ramadan.

PDP MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz called for a probe, while NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq also raised concerns over the matter.