Omar Abdullah Slams Gulmarg Fashion Show, Calls It ‘Unacceptable in Any Month of the Year’

New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has strongly condemned the controversial fashion show held in Gulmarg during Ramzan, stating in the assembly on Monday that his government would never have allowed such an event at any time of the year. 

The show, which took place on March 7 as part of a private four-day event, has drawn widespread criticism for being held during the holy month and for allegedly featuring "obscene" garments.  

“We have already ordered an inquiry into it but preliminary facts revealed that it was a private four-day event organised by a private party in a private hotel. The fashion show was held on December 7 and certain things have come to the fore, which hurt the sentiments of the people who are not wrong,” the chief minister informed the assembly.

Abdullah clarified that the government had no role in organizing the show, nor was any official permission sought. 

He assured the assembly that an inquiry had been ordered to determine whether any laws were violated. If any legal breaches are found, he said, the case will be handed over to the police for investigation, and strict action will be taken. 

He acknowledged that the concerns of the public and lawmakers were valid.

The controversy erupted after Kashmir’s chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, condemned the event in a social media post, calling it "outrageous" and warning that obscenity in the name of tourism promotion would not be tolerated. In response, Abdullah agreed that the public outrage was justified and assured that a report on the incident would be submitted within 24 hours.  

The issue triggered protests in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, with members demanding accountability. Abdullah told the house that those behind the event had acted irresponsibly and failed to consider the cultural and religious sentiments of the region. 

He reiterated that even if the event had taken place outside Ramzan, it would still have been inappropriate.  

“Some people are saying that such a show should not have happened in the month of Ramzan. After what I have seen, I am of the opinion that it should not have taken place any time of the year,” Abdullah said.