Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Erupts Over Kathua Killings, Gulmarg Fashion Show Controversy

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Monday as opposition and treasury benches clashed over the killing of civilians in Kathua and the controversy surrounding the Gulmarg fashion show. The session was marked by loud protests, disruptions, and verbal duels.

As the House assembled, members of the National Conference (NC), People's Democratic Party (PDP), and two Independents raised concerns over the fashion show held in Gulmarg during Ramzan. They termed the event "obscene" and alleged that it hurt religious sentiments. PDP MLA Mir Mohmmad Fayaz led the demand for a probe, with NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq also raising the issue.

Obscenity in Name of Tourism Promotion

The fashion show had sparked widespread criticism, with Kashmir’s chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, stating, "Obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated." Responding to the outrage, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ordered an inquiry into the event.

BJP Focuses on the Killings in Kathua

Meanwhile, BJP members focused on the killings in Kathua but urged that the Question Hour should continue. "The killings of civilians in Billawar have raised concerns. It should not be politicised. Instead, measures should be taken to eliminate those involved in the act," said Billawar MLA Satesh Sharma.

3 Civilians Gone Missing on March 5 After Attending Wedding 

The matter intensified after three civilians, who had gone missing on March 5 after attending a wedding in Billawar, were found dead near a waterbody in the upper reaches of Kathua on Saturday. Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz condemned the killings, calling it "a grave human rights violation to kill a child."

The assembly witnessed chaos for over 25 minutes as NC-Congress, PDP, and BJP members engaged in loud arguments. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather repeatedly attempted to restore order, stating that discussions on these issues could be held after the Question Hour. However, disruptions continued.

Also Read: Omar Abdullah’s Moral Policing Falls Flat After Family’s Links to Gulmarg Fashion Show Emerge | Inside Details

Lieutenant Governor Orders Probe

The Speaker later informed the House that he had received two adjournment motions, one from Congress’s Nizamuddin Bhat and another from NC MLA Rameshwar Singh regarding the Kathua killings and the attack on Bani MLA Rameshwar Singh. However, Rather ruled that as per Rule 59, debates could not be held while a probe was ongoing. "Since the Lieutenant Governor has ordered a probe, it cannot be debated in the House," he clarified.

 Gulmarg Fashion Show Controversy

On the Gulmarg controversy, Rather stated, "An inquiry has been ordered by the chief minister; therefore, it cannot be discussed in the House."

Regarding the attack on Singh, he said, "We condemn the issue. The entire House condemns it." The Bani MLA was assaulted by protesters at a local hospital in Billawar late Saturday night while meeting the victims’ families.

BJP's Satesh Sharma accused the MLA of politicising the issue. "This House should set an example by paying homage to the victims. There was even a small child," he said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah intervened, questioning why the Deputy Chief Minister was not allowed to meet the victims' families while the Leader of the Opposition was permitted.

Also Read: 'Outrageous, Obscene': Fashion Show in Gulmarg During Ramadan Triggers Huge Row

Ruckus Resumes After Brief Question Hour

The ruckus resumed after a brief Question Hour, leading to the marshaling out of MLA Sheikh Khursheed, who demanded condemnation of all killings.

Outside the assembly, Minister Sakina Itoo reaffirmed that the chief minister had ordered a probe into the Gulmarg incident, acknowledging its seriousness.