NEW DELHI: A fashion show held in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramzan has triggered a massive row in Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP levelled accusations against Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah, alleging that his family members own the hotel where the event took place. Omar clarified that it was a private function without any government involvement.
Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also criticised the event, calling it “deplorable” and an attack on Kashmiri values.
Jammu and Kashmir leader of opposition and BJP MLA Sunil Sharma directly challenged the chief minister’s claim that he was unaware of the event. “Omar Abdullah lies both inside the Assembly and outside. How is it possible that such a big function was happening in a hotel owned by your relatives, and you had no idea? You must have organised this programme yourself. Now, since people have raised this issue, you are claiming an inquiry will be conducted. He should accept the truth instead of lying,” Sharma said.
He added that the excise department had issued a short-term licence for the event, suggesting that authorities had prior knowledge.
Blatantly contradict our cultural values: Mufti
The controversy erupted after videos and images from the fashion show surfaced online, sparking outrage across the region. Former chief minister and PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti condemned the event, calling it “deeply troubling” and criticising the government’s attempt to distance itself from the matter. She said, “It is deplorable that private hoteliers are allowed to promote such vulgarity through these events, which blatantly contradict our cultural values. The government cannot absolve itself of responsibility by labelling this a private affair.”
Religious leaders also expressed their discontent. Kashmir’s chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, strongly condemned the event, calling it “outrageous” and saying that “obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated.” His comments echoed the wider anger among religious and political groups, who viewed the event as an affront to Kashmiri traditions.
In response, chief minister Omar Abdullah assured the Assembly that an inquiry had been ordered and reiterated that his government would not have permitted such an event at any time of the year. “It was a private event, organised in a private hotel. No permission was sought from the government, no money was taken from the government, and no government official was present. However, if the inquiry finds any violation of law, strict action will be taken,” Abdullah said.
Also read: ‘Shock & anger understandable’: J&K CM Omar Abdullah after fashion show in Gulmarg sparks row
The issue led to heated exchanges in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, with members of the National Conference (NC), PDP, and Independents criticising the government’s handling of the situation. NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq admitted that the event was inappropriate and praised Abdullah for taking swift action, while Minister Sakina Itoo also condemned the incident, stating it should not have taken place during Ramzan.
