Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has initiated an inquiry into a controversial fashion show held in Gulmarg, which has sparked criticism for allegedly offending cultural and societal sentiments. Abdullah condemned the event, stressing that it should not have been conducted, especially during the month of Ramzan.
“We have ordered an inquiry. A private party was organized, a 4-day event, a fashion show was organized, and some things in the fashion show have hurt the sentiments of society. What I have seen there, it should not have been conducted anytime of the year or in Ramzan month,” Omar Abdullah said.
He clarified that the event was organized by private parties, with no government involvement or permission. “This was a private party and there was no government involvement, no permission was taken, and we will act tough if any law was broken,” he added.
The fashion show has drawn severe criticism from political leaders. Jammu and Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh called the event a direct attack on the state’s culture, particularly during Ramzan. “During Ramzan time, organizing such an event is shameful. This is a direct attack on our culture…we condemn this. We want CM to take the strictest action against this,” Sheikh stated.
Tanvir Sadiq, JKNC MLA, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “It should not have happened. J&K is a place of Sufi saints…even in normal circumstances, semi-nude shows should not take place in J&K, this is not acceptable.” He confirmed that Omar Abdullah had taken cognizance of the incident and had sought a report, assuring action would be taken.
BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia also weighed in, stating, “PM Modi, Amit Shah, and the central government want normalcy to return to J&K… after 5th August 2019, a peaceful atmosphere has come in Kashmir. But, some people don’t want peace and normalcy in Kashmir… so it’s some people’s old habit, they create issues for no reason and try to spoil the atmosphere in J&K.”
In addition to addressing the fashion show controversy, Omar Abdullah commented on the tragic killing of three civilians in Billawar, Kathua. He expressed concerns about the investigation and political interference, saying, “The investigation is ongoing. What happened in Billawar has to be investigated.” Abdullah criticized the politicization of the incident and questioned the handling of the situation, particularly the restriction on the Deputy Chief Minister’s visit to the area. “This matter is being politicized,” he stated.
Abdullah further pointed out the inconsistency in the handling of the situation, mentioning, “Deputy CM also wanted to go but he was also told not to go. He called me, so I told him not to go there.” He also questioned the decision to allow Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma to visit Billawar despite the restrictions placed on other officials. “I want to ask then, how was LOP Sunil Sharma allowed to go there?” he said.
