BJP General Secretary (Organization) Ashok Koul on Tuesday criticized the recent controversial fashion event in Gulmarg, questioning the role of the administration and the J&K government in allowing the event to take place.
The organisers of the event have already tendered an apology for the fashion show after a massive backlash.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday told the J&K Assembly that his government had no role in organising it and promised action if rules were shown to have been violated.
However, Koul expressed his surprise with CM’s statement saying the fashion event was held in the open under the watch of the government and officials.
“The government is his (Omar’s). His government was there. What was the Chief Executive Officer of Gulmarg Development Authority doing? All this happened right in front of their eyes. The rest of our government machinery was sitting there. What were they doing,” Koul told reporters in south Kashmir.
” The Chief Minister says that they ( organizers) did not take any permission. But when the event took place it was neither stopped nor questioned by authorities at the time. This is unfortunate,” he added.
Koul made it clear that the party does not support such “obscene” events.
“The BJP never agrees to such Ashleel (obscene) events,” he asserted.
The controversial fashion event featuring models was held on March 7 at the snow slopes of Gulmarg and was hosted by designer duo Shivan and Narresh.
The pictures and video of the show surfaced on social media, triggering widespread backlash with Kashmir’s politicians terming it “outrageous” and “obscene”. A section of people also targeted the ruling National Conference government as the tourism ministry falls under its domain.
Meanwhile, Hurriyat chief Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who was the first to raise his voice against the recent fashion show, on Tuesday urged stakeholders in the tourism industry to act responsibly, emphasizing that commercial gains should not come at the expense of faith and culture.
“While authorities cannot be absolved of their responsibility, it is also a reality that those who facilitated and organised the event belong to our society itself, and are answerable for their actions,” Mirwaiz said while addressing a religious gathering in old Srinagar.
“These people should understand that their pursuit of profit at the cost of the region’s religious and cultural ethos sets a dangerous precedent and undermines this precious heritage which is the guiding force that keeps people on the right path….,” he said.
Mirwaiz urged upon the hoteliers and tourism stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid such misadventures that harm the valley’s heritage for financial gains .
