Jammu: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, on Monday clarified that his government had no role in organizing the fashion show at Gulmarg that has drawn widespread criticism. While speaking at the Assembly, Abdullah said the event was a private affair and was organized at a private hotel. He claimed that no government infrastructure involved.
Abdullah also claimed to have directed to investigate if the organizers violated any laws.
The Gulmarg fashion show was not organized by the government. No government money or infrastructure was used. No permissions were sought either. This has hurt the sentiments of the people. Those who organized it clearly did not think this through – CM Omar Abdullah Sahib. pic.twitter.com/xbQYIS6OUv
— Sarah Hayat Shah (@SaraHayatShah) March 10, 2025
Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has called the incident as “outrageous” and “obscene”.
The Chief Minister assured of taking appropriate action after the report is submitted to him within 24 hours. “The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities and that too during this holy month,” Abdullah said.
The fashion show was organised on Friday in the backdrop of the snow-covered slopes of Gulmarg. The show was held to mark the 15th anniversary of the designer label Shivan & Narresh.
Gulmarg’s snowy slopes recently hosted a stunning fashion show, showcasing Kashmir’s peaceful revival. But Islamist radicals & local politicians are up in arms, deeming it a ‘national security threat’! Talk about misplaced priorities! Frustrated folks! #Kashmir #FashionForPeace pic.twitter.com/b9haijcaYM
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) March 9, 2025
A controversy had erupted in the Union territory over the outdoor fashion show. Several political leaders and people on social media described the event as “obscene” as it was organized during Ramzan. A video of the show has gone viral on the internet. It shows models walking down the snow-covered ramp at the Elle India fashion show.
“Outrageous! That in the holy month of Ramzan, an obscene fashion show was 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? Those involved should be immediately held accountable. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in Kashmir,” Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq wrote on X.
Outrageous! That In the holy month of Ramzan an obscene fashion show is organised in #Gulmarg, pictures & 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…
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) March 9, 2025
