'Obscene, Vulgar In Holy Month Of Ramzan': Outrage In J&K Assembly Over Gulmarg Fashion Show, CM Abdullah Seeks Report

A fashion event in Gulmarg, a well-known winter vacation spot, during the sacred month of Ramzan has ignited significant political uproar. The ensuing criticism led Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K) Chief Minister (CM) Omar Abdullah to request a report on the incident on Sunday (9 March).

This was followed by heated debates between the Opposition and treasury benches in the state assembly regarding the event on Monday, Hindustan Times reported.

A ski wear collection was showcased at a fashion show in Gulmarg on 7 March, as part of a notable ski festival. The event has garnered attention and sparked controversy on social media, especially considering it took place during the Muslim fasting month. Some images from the show have since gone viral, inciting significant backlash.

People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti called it “deeply troubling” to see “vulgar images from the recent fashion show in Gulmarg” in a social media post on X.

“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 J&K CM said.

Mufti stated that the government could not evade its accountability by categorizing this matter as a private issue. “Shrugging off accountability could pave the way for more such events, ultimately inflicting severe damage on our culture and society,” she said.

Previously, Omar Abdullah stated that suitable measures would be taken once he receives the report within a 24-hour timeframe.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the main maulana of Kashmir, declared that they would not accept any form of obscenity under the guise of promoting tourism.

Umar Farooq described the fashion show has 'obscene' in the holy month of Ramzan and called it 'outrageous.' "How could it be tolerated in the valley known for its Sufi, saint culture and the deeply religious outlook of its people?" he said adding that those responsible for coordinating the event should be held liable.

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

Omar Abdullah reacted to his post and said, "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," he added.

J&K deputy CM Surinder Choudhary responded to media queries saying, “Omar Abdullah has already given his statement on this issue and he has initiated an inquiry into it. I don't think I need to say anything further.”

When the House convened for the day, representatives from the National Conference (NC), PDP, and two independent members rose to address the issue of the fashion show.

They labeled it as "obscene" and claimed that it had offended sensitivities. The legislators called for an investigation into the allowance of such a show during Ramzan.

The request was put forward by PDP MLA Mir Mohmmad Fayaz, and the matter was also brought up by NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq.