A fashion show in Gulmarg, Kashmir, has sparked significant controversy and was discussed in the Legislative Assembly on Monday.
Indian Occupied Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that his government had no involvement in the event.
On Sunday, Abdullah called for a report after Kashmir's chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, condemned the show as "outrageous" and "obscene." The Mirwaiz criticized the event, which took place during Ramzan, for being insensitive to local customs.
Abdullah responded, stating, "The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities, especially during this holy month."
The fashion show, held on Friday against the snowy backdrop of Gulmarg, was organized to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the designer label Shivan & Narresh.
The Mirwaiz called the event "obscene" under the guise of promoting tourism, stating that such behavior would not be tolerated in Kashmir.
People’s Conference President Sajad Lone also said the event was “eminently avoidable.”
Other critics included Srinagar MP Aga Ruhullah Mehdi and Congress leader Deepika Pushkar Nath.
In the Legislative Assembly, before the Budget discussion, Abdullah addressed the concerns of lawmakers. He explained that a preliminary inquiry had shown the event was organized by a private party hosting a four-day event in Gulmarg.
While acknowledging the public's hurt sentiments, Abdullah added, "Some people said it should not have happened during Ramzan, but from what I saw, this kind of event should not happen in any month of the year."
He made it clear that the government had no role in the event: "It was a private party that organized the function in a private hotel, with private invitations. No permission was sought from the government, and no government resources were used."
The Chief Minister further stated that the administration had been instructed to conduct an inquiry, and if necessary, hand the matter over to the police.