A fashion show organised during the holy month of Ramzan by two Delhi-based designers in the famous ski resort of Gulmarg has created a piquant situation for Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah as it was seen by the religious clerics and common Kashmiris as 'an act of spreading obscenity' and hurting their 'religious sentiments'.

Though the event was organised in Gulmarg on March 7 but Chief Minister Omar Abdullah came in the line of fire on Monday after several members belonging to the Opposition benches cornered him on the floor of the Assembly demanding action against the organisers and those who facilitated the event in the valley.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Sunil Sharma openly challenged the Chief Ministers' claim that he was unaware of the event.

Sharma alleged his (Omar Abdullah) family members own the hotel where the event took place.

Omar, however, clarified that it was a private function without any government involvement.

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also criticised the event, calling it "deplorable" and an attack on Kashmiri values. She said, "It is deplorable that private hoteliers are allowed to promote such vulgarity through these events, which blatantly contradict our cultural values. The government cannot absolve itself of responsibility by labelling this a private affair."

Talking to reporters outside the legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma Monday said, "Omar Abdullah lies both inside the Assembly and outside. How is it possible that such a big function was happening in a hotel owned by your relatives and you had no idea? You must have organised this programme yourself. Now, since people have raised this issue, you are claiming an inquiry will be conducted. He should accept the truth instead of lying," Sharma said.

He added that the excise department had issued a short-term licence for the event, suggesting that authorities had prior knowledge.

On Sunday Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also criticised the event and issued a warning saying that "obscenity" in the name of tourism promotion will not be tolerated.

As the visuals of the fashion show started trending on various social media platforms it prompted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to order an inquiry into the matter.

Abdullah responded to Umar Farooq's post, saying the shock and anger are totally understandable.

"The images I have seen show a complete disregard for local sensitivities and that too during this holy month. My office has been in touch with the local authorities and I have asked for a report to be submitted within the next 24 hours. Further action, as appropriate, will follow from this report," the chief minister wrote on X.

Following criticism of the event, desingers Shivan and Narresh posted a statement of apology on their official X page.

"We deeply regret any hurt caused by our recent presentation in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan. Our sole intention was to celebrate creativity and the ski & apres-ski lifestyle, without any desire to offend anyone or any religious sentiments.

"Respect for all cultures and traditions is at our heart, and we acknowledge the concerns raised. We sincerely apologise for any unintended discomfort and appreciate the feedback from our community. We remain committed to being more mindful and respectful," they said in the statement.

Responding to the concerns expressed by the members in the Assembly Omar Abdullah said those who organised the fashion show have not applied their mind, showed disregard to the public sentiment and paid no attention to where they are organising it and its timing.

"Some people are saying that such a show should not have happened in the month of Ramzan. After what I have seen, I am of the opinion that it should not have taken place any time of the year," he said.

The chief minister said he wants to make it clear that there is no role of the government in organising the event.

He also said if permission would have been sought from the government, it would not have given the permission for such an event. "If law has been violated, strict action will be taken."