GULMARG, March 13 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday acknowledged that the hotel where a controversial fashion show was recently held in Gulmarg is owned by his relatives but maintained that the state government had no role in organizing the event.
The fashion show, which took place during the Islamic holy month of Ramzan, has sparked widespread criticism from religious leaders and opposition politicians. The Chenab Times was the first to report this controversy.
“These things are not under the jurisdiction of the elected government,” Abdullah told reporters in Gulmarg. “The basis for organizing such an event has not been shared with us. On principle, we have never been in favor of such decisions.”
The Chief Minister confirmed that the hotel, where the event took place, is linked to his family. “Yes, this hotel belongs to my relative. When have I disagreed with this? My relative owns two hotels here—The Nedous and the Highland Park,” he said.
The event has drawn sharp criticism from religious and political figures, including Kashmir’s top cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who described it as “outrageous.”
“Outrageous! That in the holy month of Ramzan, an obscene fashion show is organized in Gulmarg, pictures and videos from which have gone viral, sparking shock and anger among people,” Farooq posted on social media platform X on March 9. He urged authorities to take immediate action against those involved.
Abdullah, while speaking in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly earlier this week, condemned the event, stating that it should not have taken place, particularly during Ramzan.
“A private party was organized, a fashion show was organized there. From what I saw, it should not have been organized at any time of the year, let alone the month of Ramzan,” he said.
The controversy has also led to political friction, with Jammu and Kashmir’s Leader of Opposition and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Sunil Sharma accusing Abdullah of dishonesty.
“Omar Abdullah lies both inside the Assembly House and outside as well. How is it possible? Such a big function was happening in your relatives’ hotel, and you had no idea? I feel you only must have organized this programme,” Sharma said, questioning the Chief Minister’s credibility.
Responding to questions on whether the government would take action against the event organizers, Abdullah said, “If there has been any violation of law, action would be taken.”
(With inputs from ANI)
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