Kashmir is in a state of chaos. The assembly is also in turmoil. Amidst loud cries, the Chief Minister of the Union Territory, Omar Abdullah, said, “I have summoned a report on the Gulmarg fashion show. My government was in no way associated with that show. The anger of the people is very real. The organizers did not give importance to the emotions and sensitivities of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
Last Friday (March 7), two Indian fashion designers, Shivan and Naresh, organized a fashion show in the internationally famous rock town of Gulmarg in Kashmir. Snow-covered Gulmarg is famous for skiing (a type of sport on ice). Shivan and Naresh’s clothing concept was also ‘ski wear’ or ski-appropriate clothing. Instead of holding the show indoors in a resort, a snow-covered road was chosen. The ramp was built on a layer of snow under the open sky. There, famous male and female models showed off in various outfits. A debate started over the concept of the fashion show and the models’ outfits. This criticism began as soon as the pictures and videos of the scantily clad men and women were circulated in the media and social media.
Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq described the fashion show as ‘ugly, Kashmir is bustling with indecent and objectionable’. On social media, he wrote, ‘Such a heinous event cannot be accepted during the holy month of Ramadan.’
PDP leader and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti raised a similar objection. On social media, she wrote, ‘This obscenity cannot be accepted during the holy month of Ramadan. It does not go with Kashmiri values. Such an event is dangerous for the society and culture of Jammu and Kashmir.’ Chief Minister Omar Abdullah himself did not remain silent. The tone of overall opposition was also heard in his voice. He said, ‘It is natural for the Kashmiri people to be angry. The event Kashmir is bustling with was held in the month of Ramadan without taking into account local sentiments, and the administration had no connection with it.’
The issue was raised in the assembly on Monday. Facing criticism from all parties, the Chief Minister said that the local authorities have been asked to submit a report within 24 hours.
Some on social media expressed surprise at the criticism of the fashion show. One wrote, ‘Ramadan is being celebrated all over the country. So is it because fashion shows are closed in the country? Kashmir should be proud that it has come to the attention of the fashion world.’
