J&K CM Omar Abdullah faces heat over Gulmarg fashion show

The controversial fashion show at the world-famous ski resort of Gulmarg along the Line of Control in northern Kashmir continues to draw criticism from political, social and religious circles, who termed it as obscene and outrageous.

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also holds the tourism portfolio, informed the J&K Assembly on Monday that the fashion show was a private event and no government official was involved in it.

“Not just in Ramazan, such events should not happen at any time of the year. It was a private event but if any rule has been broken by them, police will take action against them,” Abdullah said in the House.


Opposition leaders asked Abdullah how he could feign ignorance when he is the incharge minister and visits Gulmarg frequently.

“We heard that these people were staying at Nedo's hotel in Gulmarg which belongs to relatives of Omar,” said Sunil Sharma of the BJP.

The organisers of the show, Shivan and Naresh, also apologised for organising such a show in Kashmir.

“We deeply regret any hurt caused by our recent presentation in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan. Our sole intention was to celebrate creativity and the ski & ‘Apres-ski’ lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments," they said in a statement. “We sincerely apologise for any unintended discomfort and appreciate the feedback from our community. We remain committed to being more mindful and respectful,” they said.

However, the controversy doesn’t seem to die down as Grand Mufti of Kashmir, Mufti Nasir ul Islam has also condemned the show.

“Semi-nude men and women were walking on the ramp, which is completely unacceptable. It is against our traditions and religious values. Legal action must be taken against those responsible,” he said.

The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir also termed it as outrageous and a blatant disregard of the local culture, tradition, sensitivities and religion. “We won’t tolerate such shameless acts in the name of tourism promotion,” they said in a statement.

The Performing Artist Community of Jammu and Kashmir also condemned the show terming it as ‘vulgar’.

“Such blatant disregard for the sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is not only offensive but also unacceptable. We demand the immediate removal of the Director of Tourism, who has repeatedly failed to uphold the cultural and moral integrity of our land,” said Waheen Jeelani, a prominent singer of the Valley.