J-K Assembly Uproar Over Gulmarg Fashion Show, Kathua Killings; CM Omar Says ‘Wouldn’t Have Permitted’ Event

The Jammu-Kashmir Assembly witnessed uproar over a fashion show in Gulmarg and the killing of civilians in Kathua. The fashion show, held during Ramzan, faces flak for hurting religious sentiments.

File Photo of Kashmir's chief priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah.

Source : PTI

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed heated exchanges on Monday as opposition and treasury benches clashed over multiple issues, including the controversial fashion show in Gulmarg and the killing of civilians in Kathua.  

As soon as the House convened, members of the National Conference (NC), People's Democratic Party (PDP), and two Independents raised objections to the fashion show, calling it obscene and alleging it had hurt religious sentiments. PDP MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz and NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq demanded an inquiry into how such an event was facilitated during Ramzan, news agency PTI reported.

The show, held in the winter tourist resort of Gulmarg, has drawn widespread criticism, with Kashmir's chief priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq stating, "Outrageous! That in the holy month of Ramzan, an obscene fashion show is organised in Gulmarg... Those involved should be immediately held accountable. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in Kashmir!" he remarked.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has ordered an inquiry into the matter, while Minister Sakina Itoo confirmed outside the Assembly that the investigation was underway, considering the seriousness of the incident.  

Designer Duo Apologises After Fashion Show Backlash, CM Omar Abdullah Says ‘Wouldn’t Have Permitted’ Event

Delhi-based designer duo Shivan Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja, who faced severe backlash for their ski-wear collection showcased in Gulmarg on 7 March, issued an apology.  

"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 & après-ski lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments," the designers stated on X.  

Respect for all cultures and traditions is at our heart, and we acknowledge the concerns raised. We sincerely apologize for any unintended discomfort and appreciate the feedback from our community.

We remain committed to being more mindful and respectful. (2/2)

— SHIVAN & NARRESH (@shivan_narresh) March 9, 2025

Chief Minister Abdullah acknowledged the public outrage, saying, "The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities, and that too during this holy month. My office has been in touch with local authorities, and I’ve asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report."  

In the Assembly, Abdullah stated that those who organised the fashion show showed "disregard to public sentiment" and "paid no attention to where they were organising it and its timing." He added, "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."  

#WATCH | Jammu: On Gulmarg fashion show, J&K CM Omar Abdullah says, "A private party was organised, a fashion show was organized there ... from what I saw, it should not have been organised at any time of the year, let alone the month of Ramzan. It was a private party and there… pic.twitter.com/pl5aZPH8pn

— ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2025

The chief minister clarified that the government had no role in the event’s organisation. "If permission had been sought from the government, it would not have been granted. If any law has been violated, strict action will be taken," he said.  

Social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat also criticised the event, calling it an attempt to erode Kashmir’s cultural and religious values. "Who allowed this nude fashion show at Gulmarg in Holy Ramzan? Semi-nude men and women walking on snow. Will Tourism Department or CEO GDA clarify?" he asked on X. "Cultural insensitivity in the guise of events only deepens wounds," he added.

Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Nasir-ul-Islam, also denounced the event. He told news agency ANI, "Semi-nude men and women were walking on the ramp, and this is not acceptable at all. It is a cultural invasion, and legal action should be taken against those responsible. Such heinous acts are not acceptable in Islam. We are badly hurt, and the central government should take action to stop such incidents in Jammu and Kashmir."  

#WATCH | Srinagar: On the Gulmarg fashion show, Grand Mufti J&K, Nasir-ur-Islam says, "Semi-nude men and women were walking on the ramp and this is not acceptable at all. It is a cultural invasion and legal action should be taken against those responsible...Such heinous acts are… pic.twitter.com/x6qQrcsv5M

— ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2025

The BJP, meanwhile, opposed the NC, PDP, and clerics for stoking a row over the fashion show, terming the outrage as "unwarranted". "Flames of conservatism are being stoked in the Kashmir Valley. We need to develop an acceptance of all kinds of views and thoughts," MLA Ranbir Singh Pathania told India Today.

Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference chief Sajad Lone, who calls himself a "person of liberal orientation", opined that the fashion show was an "eminently avoidable event".

While some on social media continued to demand accountability, a few appreciated the designers’ apology. One user wrote, "Respect for all cultures and traditions is essential, and it’s good to see your commitment to being more mindful. Wishing you the best in promoting creativity while respecting sensitivities."  

Uproar In Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Over Civilian Killings In Kathua 

Meanwhile, BJP members raised concerns over the recent killings in Billawar, Kathua, but insisted that the Question Hour should not be disrupted. Billawar MLA Satesh Sharma remarked, "The killings of civilians in Billawar should not be politicised. Instead, measures should be taken to eliminate those involved in the act."  

Three civilians, who had gone missing on 5 March while returning from a wedding in Billawar, were found dead near a waterbody in the upper reaches of Kathua on Saturday. Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz termed the killing of a child in the incident a grave human rights violation, PTI reported.  

The Assembly saw noisy scenes for over 25 minutes, with verbal clashes between members of NC-Congress, PDP, and BJP. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather attempted to restore order, stating that discussions could be held after the Question Hour, but disruptions continued. He later informed the House that he had received adjournment motions from Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat and NC MLA Rameshwar Singh regarding the civilian killings and an attack on Bani MLA Rameshwar Singh.  

Rather stated that debates could not be held on issues under investigation, as per Rule 59. "Since the Lieutenant Governor has ordered a probe, it cannot be debated in the House," he said, adding that the same applied to the fashion show, as an inquiry had already been initiated.  

Regarding the attack on Singh, Rather said, "We condemn the issue. The entire House condemns it." Singh was reportedly assaulted by protesters while visiting the families of the deceased in Billawar on Saturday night. BJP’s Satesh Sharma accused the MLA of politicising the issue, stating, "This House should set an example by paying homage to the victims. There was even a small child."  

The House was further disrupted after MLA Sheikh Khursheed, who sought condemnation of all killings, was marshalled out for creating a ruckus.