Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], March 10: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has ordered an inquiry into a controversial fashion show held in Gulmarg, which has sparked criticism for allegedly offending societal sentiments, particularly due to its timing during the holy month of Ramzan.
Abdullah condemned the event, emphasizing that it should not have been conducted, especially in Ramzan. He noted that it was a private party organized without any government permission. “We have ordered an inquiry. A private party was organized, a 4-day event, a fashion show was held, 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 the month of Ramzan,” he said.
The Chief Minister clarified that the event was not sanctioned by the government. “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 event has faced widespread backlash from political leaders. Jammu and Kashmir Awami Ittehad Party MLA Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh termed it a direct attack on the state’s culture, especially because it occurred during Ramzan. “During Ramzan time, organising 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,” he said.
Tanvir Sadiq, JKNC MLA, expressed disapproval of such events, stating, “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. Omar Abdullah (CM) has taken cognisance of the incident and sought a report, he has assured action.”
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia responded to the criticism, stating that some people continue to disrupt the peace in Kashmir. “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, people across the world and country want to visit 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.”
The Chief Minister also addressed the tragic killing of three civilians in Billawar, Kathua, raising concerns about the investigation and political interference. “The investigation is ongoing. What happened in Billawar has to be investigated,” he said. Abdullah also questioned the political handling of the situation, stating, “This matter is being politicized.”
He criticized the restrictions on certain officials, specifically referring to the ban on Deputy Chief Minister’s visit to Billawar. “Deputy CM also wanted to go but he was told not to go. He called me, so I told him not to go there,” Abdullah said. However, he pointed out inconsistencies, asking, “How was LOP Sunil Sharma allowed to go there?” referencing the visit of the Leader of Opposition to Billawar despite the imposed restrictions.