Travel Agents condemn fashion show at Gulmarg, term it outrageous

Srinagar, Mar 10: The Travel Agents Association of Kashmir (TAAK) has taken a strong note of the Gulmarg Fashion Show, terming it as outrageous  and a blatant disregard for local culture, tradition, sensitivities and religion.

In a statement TAAK, has sought a time-bound in depth probe into the conduct of the semi-nude fashion show at Gulmarg.

“The semi-nude fashion show and open consumption of liquor at the Gulmarg have hurt the religious and cultural sentiments of the locals. We condemn it in the strongest of words,” the statement issued here said.

The Association has also urged the government to take strict action against the organisers of this event and the venue owners.

TAAK said Kashmir’s tourism has, over the years, thrived on local culture, heritage, and the region's unmatched natural beauty, and there was no need for such shameless acts mainly in the sacred month of Ramadhan.

“We won’t tolerate such shameless acts in the name of tourism promotion. Local stakeholders have been promoting Kashmir tourism for ages and have successfully attracted lakhs of tourists. Such cheap marketing stunts have sent shock waves among the locals and are intolerable.”

It said any action to disrupt peace and harmony in the name of promoting tourism would fetch negative publicity “which is averse to the efforts of the stakeholders and the government”.