The issue led to pandemonium during the ongoing Budget session of the J&K Legislative Assembly, with several legislators, including members of the National Conference, demanding a discussion on the fashion show, organised by fashion designers Shivan and Narresh on the snow-covered slopes of the famous tourist destination.
The CM explained that the four-day event was organised by a private entity at a private hotel and the fashion show took place on March 7. “There are certain things that have come to the fore, which have hurt the sentiments of the people, and people are not wrong,” Abdullah said, adding that those who organised the event had “not applied their mind.”
Omar said the organisers failed to consider the sensitivities of the people and the timing of the event. “Some people said that this shouldn’t have happened in the pious month of Ramadan. I believe that what I saw there, leave the month of Ramadan, it should not have taken place any days of the year,” he remarked.
Stating that the government had no role in organising the event, Omar further clarified that it was a private affair hosted at a private hotel. “No permission was sought from the government. No money was taken from the government,” he said. “There was no use of government infrastructure, and no government officer was present at the event.”
As the controversy gained traction, videos of the event were widely circulated and subsequently removed by several platforms, including Elle India. The fashion show’s reception triggered strong criticism from political figures, including Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
Kashmir’s grand Mufti, Nasir-ul-Islam, described the event as a “cultural invasion” and warned of serious consequences if such events were repeated in the region.
Mufti condemned the promotion of such events, saying, “It is deplorable that private hoteliers are allowed to promote such vulgarity through these events, which blatantly contradict our cultural values.” She added, “The government cannot simply absolve itself of responsibility by labeling this a private affair. Shrugging off accountability could pave the way for more such events, ultimately inflicting severe damage on our culture and society.”
