Srinagar- A fashion show held in the winter tourist resort of Gulmarg during the fasting month of Ramazan has evoked widespread criticism, with Kashmir’s chief priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, saying obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated.
“Outrageous! That In the holy month of Ramzan an obscene fashion show is 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?” the mirwaiz said in a post from his X handle.
He said those involved in organising the event should be held accountable.
“Those involved should be immediately held accountable. Such obscenity in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated in #Kashmir!” he added.
Member Parliament and senior National Conference leader Aga Ruhullah wrote on X: “The images from Gulmarg are shocking. This is what cultural invasion in the disguise of tourism looks like. They show an utter disregard for Kashmiri sentiments. The Tourism department officials involved should be immediately taken to task, as well as the organisers Shivan & Narresh.”
Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Lone wrote on X: “The fashion show in Gulmarg was an eminently avoidable event, in the holy month of Ramadan. I consider myself to be a person of liberal orientation, and believe in dignified and mutually respectful coexistence. But this was not the best time to host such an event.”
Social activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat described the event as an attempt to demolish the moral, religious and ethical values of Kashmir.
“Who allowed this nude fashion show at Gulmarg in Holy Ramzan? Semi nude men and women walking on snow. Will Tourism Deptt, CEO GDA throw some light? Why are you hell bound to demolish our moral, ethical, cultural and religious values (sic)?” he asked in a post on X.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sought a report from administration amid “outrage” over “obscene fashion show” in picturesque Gulmarg.
In a post from Office of Chief Minister, J&K, handle on ‘X’, Omar said that the shock and anger was “totally understandable”.
“The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities & that too during this holy month,” reads the post.
“My office has been in touch with the local authorities & I’ve asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report,” he said in the post.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
