As controversy erupts, Omar-led govt distances itself from Gulmarg fashion show during Ramazan

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Abdullah said that the event was a private function held at a private hotel, with no use of government infrastructure involved.

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday distanced itself from the fashion show row in the ski resort of Gulmarg during the fasting month of Ramzan that drew widespread criticism.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly he said that the event was a private function held at a private hotel, with no government infrastructure involved.

“Those who organised the fashion show have not applied their mind, showed disregard to the public sentiment and paid no attention to where they are organising it and its timing. “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,” he said.

The show was organised on March 7 by the fashion designer duo of Shivam Bhatiya and Narresh Kukreja in Gulmarg. Ramazan began in India on March 2. A video that has gone viral shows models walking down the snow-covered ramp during the Elle India fashion show.

The event during Ramazan sparked widespread criticism from political and religious leaders. Calling the event ‘outrageous’, Hurriyat Conference chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq criticised the fashion show, adding that ‘obscenity’ in the name of tourism promotion would not be tolerated.

Ruling National Conference (NC) Member Parliament, Aga Ruhullah said the event showed an utter disregard for Kashmiri sentiments and demanded action against the tourism officials and the organizers.

Opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called the event a “vulgar spectacle” that undermines Kashmir’s cultural values.

After facing backlash for displaying “obscene” garments at the show, Bhatiya and Kukreja have issued an apology saying they deeply regret any hurt caused during their presentation during the holy month of Ramazan.

"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 & apres-ski lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments,” they posted 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,” the designer duo said.

With pressure mounting Omar said he wants to make it clear that there is no role of the government in organising 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 said.

He said if permission would have been sought from the government, it would not have given the permission for such an event. “If law has been violated, strict action will be taken.”