Gulmarg Fashion Show Sparks Controversy Among J&K Politicians:

During the Ramzan month in Gulmarg, a popular winter tourist hotspot, a fashion show has triggered massive political outrage, with leaders of different parties vehemently opposing the event. The backlash prompted J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah to need a report on the issue on Sunday, while on Monday, the state legislative assembly witnessed serious verbal clashes between the Opposition and government sides over the issue, prompting his intervention.

I have directed further investigation into this matter.

“People’s sentiments are bound to be hurt due to the private venture which was positioned over Gulmarg. No such activities should be allowed at any point in the year. Allow me to clarify, it had nothing to do with the state government. They (organizers) did not apply for permission. It was a private show conducted at a hotel,” he said.

What caused the political furor?

A bikini-clad fashion show featuring an array of immodest outfits presented by designer duo, Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja, has sparked controversy in Kashmir for taking place during the month of Ramadan.

That event, which took place inside of Gulmarg on the 7th of March, attracted a lot of attention from political, religious and social groups. For example, J&K CM Omar Abdullash required a report within a day of these events unfolding.

In the past two days, the videos of the show went viral online with many social media users in Kashmir registering dissent. Abdul mujahid, a member from Kashmir's parliament explained the reasons behind the fashion event suggesting that both male and female models parading on stage, was intended to celebrate the 15th anniversary for the designer label, Shivan and Narresh. The models also showcased the label’s ski wear collection, which is why the males and females participating in the models consistently dressed in the show.

What the political class thinks about the event

The reasoning cap, Abdullah said while expressing his concerns claiming that, “it was a private party and there was no government involvement” and that having no submission also meant there was no grant of such permission. Abdulah also claimed that the “instructions have been given, in case there was anything illegal, actions had to be made”. Abdulah had to go tell the police,” the Chief Minister proclaimed in the assembly this morning.

While some others argue, Mehebo Mufti said, the fashion show could not simply be considered private as merely labelling an event as such should not permit complete disregard of said event, People Democratic Party Chief and ex chief Abdulah said.

“Witnessing vulgar imagery depicted in the recent fashion spectacle of Gulmarg was deeply troubling. The fact that an event which turned into an embarrassing display took place during the holy month of Ramadan is shocking enough. It defies logic that private hoteliers are permitted to shatter our cultural values by peddling such indecency through these events,” said the PDP leader, who was also the principal battleground politician in Kashmir even as her party was relegated to a dismal fourth position in the 2024 state elections.

What was the reaction of the Chief Priest of Kashmir to the Gulmarg controversy?

The Mirwaiz of Kashmir, Umar Farooq, responded, saying we will not accept such indecency disguised as tourism. Posting from his X account Umar Farooq quipped, “That in the holy month of Ramzan an obscene fashion show is organised in Gulmarg is shocking, and videos from the show have gone viral which adds to the shock and anger among people.” How could it be tolerated in the valley revered for Sufi saints and known for deeply religious people? Those there must be brought to justice, Umar Farooq said.

Clash in the J&K Assembly

Once the House convened for the day, the members of the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, along with two Independents, rose to their feet and brought up what they referred to as an ‘obscene’ fashion show while claiming that it was injurious to feelings. The MLAs called for an inquiry concerning the holding of such a show during Ramzan. The demand was put forward by PDP MLA Mir Mohmmad Fayaz, which was later supported by NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq.