It is both shocking and disgraceful that in the sacred month of Ramadan, a time of spiritual reflection and deep devotion, an obscene nude fashion show was permitted to take place in Gulmarg, the crown jewel of Kashmir. This appalling spectacle is not just an affront to the moral and religious values of Kashmir but a direct insult to the cultural identity of its people. How did the Tourism Department an entity responsible for preserving and promoting the region’s rich heritage allow such an immoral display to unfold in a land known for its deep-rooted traditions? The concerns raised by the public are not only justified but demand immediate and unwavering action. Tourism is meant to foster appreciation, respect, and economic growth while upholding the dignity of the local population. It is not a free pass for outsiders to impose depraved and culturally alien practices on the people of Kashmir. Yet, what we are witnessing is a brazen invasion of immorality, disguised as tourism, shamelessly disregarding the religious sensitivities of a Muslim-majority region. How did the authorities fail to prevent this? On what basis was permission granted for such vulgarity? If the Tourism Department was aware of this event, it is guilty of complicity in cultural vandalism. If it was unaware, it is guilty of gross negligence both equally unacceptable.
“If tourism in Kashmir cannot be aligned with the dignity and values of its people, then such tourism has no place in our land. Let this be a warning Kashmir will not be silent in the face of such blatant moral transgressions. Those who attempt to erode our cultural and religious foundations will be confronted with unwavering resistance.”
Where is the Chief Minister? Where is the MLA of Gulmarg? The silence of those in power is deafening and deeply concerning. Are they uninformed, indifferent, or complicit in this disgrace? The people of Kashmir have elected these leaders to safeguard their interests, yet when their most fundamental values are trampled upon, they remain mute spectators. This is not mere incompetence it is a betrayal of public trust. This issue is not about conservatism versus modernity, nor is it a debate about progressiveness versus tradition. It is about basic cultural respect. Kashmir is not a playground for obscenity, nor will it ever be. No amount of tourism revenue can justify the violation of our ethical and religious boundaries. If such moral degradation is tolerated today, what will be imposed upon us tomorrow? The people of Kashmir demand accountability. The Tourism Department must be held responsible for permitting such an event. The organizers must answer for their reckless disregard of Kashmiri sentiments. The government must take immediate corrective measures to ensure that such a travesty is never repeated. If tourism in Kashmir cannot be aligned with the dignity and values of its people, then such tourism has no place in our land. Let this be a warning Kashmir will not be silent in the face of such blatant moral transgressions. Those who attempt to erode our cultural and religious foundations will be confronted with unwavering resistance.
(The author is a lawyer based in Tanmarg Baramulla and a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
