Srinagar – An outdoor fashion show held in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, during the holy month of Ramzan has ignited a political controversy. The event, part of the Elle India fashion show organized by designers Shivam and Narresh, took place at the popular ski resort and featured models walking down a snow-covered ramp in bikinis and capes.
A video from the show, which went viral on social media, showed the models in the wintery setting, sparking outrage among local leaders and residents. Critics questioned the timing of the event, calling it inappropriate during Ramzan, a month dedicated to fasting and religious observance.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s office responded to the backlash, saying that the “shock and anger” were understandable. The office said, “The shock and anger are totally understandable. 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 the 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.”
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a Hurriyat leader, also condemned the event, calling it “outrageous.” He tweeted, “Outrageous! That in the holy month of Ramzan, an obscene fashion show was 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? Those involved should be immediately held accountable. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in Kashmir.”
Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone also criticized the event’s timing, saying, “I consider myself to be person of liberal orientation, and believe in dignified and mutually respectful coexistence. But this was not the best time to host such an event.”
“The Gulmarg “fashion show” is less naked conspiracy and more veiled threat by the uncivilised in the country to say “we own your morals and minds.” Surely, even the limited local government can condemn this freshly insulting encroachment, unapologetically? Loudly? Dare we hope?” tweeted noted historian and the former Vice Chancellor of Islamic University of Science and Technlogy Siddiq Wahid.
“A nude fashion show in #Gulmarg during Ramazan? This is a shameless mockery of our faith, culture and Kashmiriyat. Ramazan is a month of devotion, repentance, divinity, praying, submission before God NOT decadence. How did the @CM_JnK allow this under his watch when tourism falls directly under his govt? As a Kashmiri Hindu, I am deeply angered and strongly condemn this disgraceful event. Kashmir’s soul is being tainted under the guise of modernity. We are not against fashion but there’s a time and decorum for everything. Stop killing our culture with NUDITY, PLEASE 
As the controversy continues to unfold, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has assured that the matter will be thoroughly investigated, with further action to be taken based on the inquiry’s findings.
