No role of Jammu and Kashmir government in Gulmarg fashion show: Omar Abdullah

Omar Abdullah

Amid widespread uproar over an outdoor fashion show held in Gulmarg, during the holy month of Ramzan, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Monday clarified that his government had no role in organizing the fashion show at Gulmarg.

Speaking in the Assembly, Abdullah said that the event was a private function held at a private hotel, with no government infrastructure involved.
He said the administration has been directed to investigate if the organizers violated any laws. “They have been told that the matter should be handed over to the police if any violation has been done,” he said.

A controversy had erupted in the Union territory over an outdoor fashion show that was recently held in the picturesque ski resort of Gulmarg. Several political leaders and people on social media described the event as "obscene" as it took place during the holy month of Ramzan. A video, which has gone viral, showed models walking down the snow-covered ramp at the Elle India fashion show organised by the fashion designer duo of Shivam and Narresh.

Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq questioned the motive of holding a fashion show during Ramzan and called it "outrageous". "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," he tweeted.

Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference chief Sajad Lone said the fashion show in Gulmarg was an "eminently avoidable event" during Ramzan, although he said that he was a "person of liberal orientation".

Senior NC  leader and Member Parliament from central Kashmir, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi today expressed shock over reports of indecent fashion show amid holy month of Ramadhan held at world famous ski resort Gulmarg. He said the event showed an utter disregard for Kashmiri sentiments.