Jammu, Mar 10: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday stated that the controversial fashion show at the famous skiing resort of Gulmarg was organized by a private party at a private hotel, with no involvement of the government at any stage.
The Chief Minister, who is also the Leader of the House, made this statement in response to concerns raised by various members regarding the controversial event held during the holy month of Ramadan.
Informing the House about the matter, he said, “An inquiry into the matter was promptly initiated, and some preliminary findings have come to light.”
Providing further details, the Chief Minister stated that a fashion show was organized by a private entity on March 7 as part of a four-day event.
He noted that the actions during the event hurt public sentiments, a concern that he acknowledged as both understandable and justified.
Omar Abdullah emphasized that the organizers failed to exercise sound judgment, disregarding the sensitivities of the people, the significance of the location, and the timing of their event. “There have been concerns that such an event should not have taken place during Ramadan. I completely agree. However, I would go a step further and say that such an event should not have been held at any time of the year in a place, given the cultural and social ethos of our region,” the Chief Minister said.
He further clarified, “Moreover, I must categorically state that the government had no involvement in this event whatsoever.” Providing further information, the Chief Minister stated that the event was privately organized in a private hotel.
“The government was neither approached for permission nor did it provide any financial or logistical support. No government infrastructure was utilized and no government officials were present at the event,” he said.
“Despite this, the administration has been instructed to examine whether any legal violations occurred. If any provisions of the law have been breached, the authorities will take appropriate action,” he added.
The Chief Minister reiterated, “There was no government involvement in this event. Had the matter been brought to our notice beforehand, we would not have permitted it.”
