A fashion show organised in the ski town Gulmarg has stirred a controversy with political leaders and clerics calling it obscene and insensitive to the local sentiments.
On Sunday evening, the social media platforms erupted with pictures and videos of the show, evoking sharp criticism from different sections of the society.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq took to X and wrote, “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”.
He asked how could it be tolerated in the valley known for its Sufi, saint culture and the deeply religious.
In reply, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the shock and anger were totally understandable.
“The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities & that too during this holy month”, he posted.
He said that his office was in touch with the local authorities and had sought a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours.
The show was held on March 7 in the snow-clad hills of Gulmarg, just two days before the town hosted the Khelo India Winter Games 2025, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the designer label Shivan & Narresh.
The videos show the models, wearing skimpy dresses, walking on the snow covered ground.
Uproar in Assembly
The issue reverberated in the Assembly on Monday with legislators from NC, PDP and Congress seeking a debate.
The Chief Minister said that it was a private event with no involvement of the government.
“We have ordered an inquiry, and preliminary findings indicate that it was a private four-day event organised by a private party at a private hotel”, he said.
The Chief Minister said that if permission had been sought, it would never have been granted.
The Speaker said that rules did not permit a debate on the matters under investigation.