Ruckus In J&K Assembly Over Gulmarg Fashion Show, CM Omar Abdullah Reacts

Last Updated:March 10, 2025, 16:26 IST

The J&K Assembly witnessed heated exchanges between opposition and treasury benches as members raised the ongoing controversy over Gulmarg fashion show, and killing of civilians in Kathua.

There were noisy scenes and verbal duels between members of NC-Congress, PDP, and BJP for over 25 minutes.

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was rocked by heated exchanges between the Opposition and the treasury benches on Monday as various MLAs raised issues such as the killing of civilians in Kathua and the Gulmarg fashion show controversy.

As the House resumed today, the National Conference legislators, and other MLAs, including PDP and Independents, raised the issue of the fashion show and dubbed it “obscene”, alleging it hurt the sentiments during Ramzan.

The MLAs also demanded a probe into the organisation of such a show during Ramzan.

The show was organised under the open sky by ‘Shivan and Narresh’ at the ski resort of Gulmarg last Friday to mark the 15th anniversary of the brand.

An advocate also issued a legal notice to the commissioner, secretary of Tourism, and submitted it to the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir, requesting it be considered a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). He demanded action against officials and participants for allegedly organizing a “nude fashion” show in Gulmarg.

CM Omar Abdullah Reacts

Reacting to the controversy, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the House that, as per the preliminary information, the show was held by a private party on March 7. He also said that his government would never have given permission to conduct such an event in any month or time of the year.

“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 March 7, and certain things have come to the fore, which hurt the sentiments of the people who are not wrong,” the chief minister said in the Assembly.

Abdullah said that the government had no role in the organisation of the event.

“It was a private party, organised at a private hotel and distributed invitations privately. No permission was sought from the government, no money was taken from the government, no government infrastructure was used and no government official was present in the event.

“Despite all this, the administration was asked that if the inquiry points to the violation of law, hand over the case to police who will do its investigation,” the Chief Minister added.

Kashmir’s chief priest and a separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday had said that obscenity in the name of promotion of tourism will not be tolerated.

“Outrageous! That in the holy month of Ramzan, an obscene fashion show is 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?” he posted on X.

Abdullah reacted to the post and said that the images show a “complete disregard” for local sensitivities and “that too during this holy month”.

“My office has been in touch with the local authorities & I’ve asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report,” Abdullah said earlier on X.

Elle India Takes Down Controversial Reel

Elle India took down its controversial reel showing the fashing show from Instagram after massive outrage.

‘Shivan and Narresh’ apologised to the people for offending any religious sentiments and said that their sole intention was to celebrate creativity.

“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. 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,” they posted on X.

Location :

Srinagar, India, India