Fashion show held in Srinagar breaking stereotypes, Islamic extremists oppose it with terror threats
India's treasured daughter Kashmir witnessed its first-ever fashion show in years when the All JK Youth Society conducted one on the banks of Dal Lake breaking stereotypes. Islamic separatists oppose it with terror threats and call it “an abyss of immorality .” Kashmiri feminists hail the move.
Kashmir for the last 30 years (since the early 90s) has taken a sharp turn towards Islamic extremism with theatres being closed down, movie shoots not being allowed, alcohol shops not being allowed to open, etc. the list goes on, and on. This Wahabi extremism being funded from Pakistan and having tactical local support had resulted in the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits- the original inhabitants of the land. The valley which was known for its exotic culture, openness, and rich heritage was under the dark shadows of extremism for too long.
But after the abrogation of article 370 under Home Minister Amit Shah, liberal/democratic values like tolerance, secularism, etc. are being reintroduced in the valley. Sweeping changes are not only being seen in the political landscape but also cultural one too. Breaking cultural and sartorial barriers fashion shows are being held, locations being identified for alcohol shops, cricket leagues and musical events being organized, and other ” neo-liberal ” activities are occurring bring respite to the common Kashmiri Public who were devoid of any entertainment source for years.
In a rare occurrence which one hopes continues to happen next time too, a fashion show was organized by the J-K Youth Society at Tagore Hall on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. 10 designers and 22 models from Kashmir participated in the fashion show and walked the ramp while raunchy Bollywood songs were being played in the background. Designer Rajdeep Ranawat (son of Lt. Gen. Rajinder Singh Retd), model photographer Montu Tomar, model Sony Kaur and make-up artist Kazi Rai participated as judges at the glamorous event.
Glam and glitz which were missing in Kashmir for the last 30 years due to Islamic terrorism were in abundance as exquisite Kashmiri carpets were rolled down onto the stage with the background of Zabarwan hills providing a natural backdrop. Models walked down the ramp in shimmering traditional Kashmiri outfits like Pheran and Yazar. This was a much-needed form of entertainment for Kashmiri people who for long have been under the shadows of extremism and terrorism.
Sheik Imran Bashir, a co-organizer of the event who runs a media group in Srinagar said “I had my heart in my mouth. I thought people will throw tomatoes and eggs. But the response was surprising in the first-ever open-air ramp walk. I was told that I will get threaten calls from militant groups. I did not get any because the event is purely to create employment in Kashmir.”
It was not limited to just fashion as stand-up comics, dancers, and rap artists were given a chance to showcase their talent. This event is not just breaking “patriarchial stereotypes” of conservatives but making a strong statement as with the onset of militancy since 1989-90 many women were forced to go back in veil or burqa, failing which they were attacked or shot at. Though a very small step towards gender justice and equality albeit a good start which should be continued in the long run too. Kashmiri feminists hailed the move and supported it.
Smriti Sharma, a Kashmiri origin woman in her 40s now living in Goa, said, “A fashion show in Kashmir is a breakthrough and unheard of, women usually are all covered; you can find women in a burka in most parts of Srinagar as well.”
While reminiscing about the childhood days, she said, “We used to wear jeans and t-shirts when we were kids; women could never be seen wearing the same.”( after extremism increased )
Opposition to the event by Radicals:
The fashion show was opposed by Kashmiri Sepratist’s and a “silent march” by a group of Kashmiri women was organized in Srinagar. The protestors clarified that they weren’t part of any organization and had spontaneously gathered to oppose the event because it allegedly sets a wrong precedent for the youth in Kashmir. They carried posters such as ” My Burkha My Pride ” and ” Beauty doesn’t seek attention. “
However, it has been an age-old tactic of separatists to send in children and women to lead protests to gain sympathy in the international media.
Advocate Sajid Yosuf, president of the AJKYS “If you listen to one of the women protesters, she says that they had come voluntarily and were not forced. I don’t think that is the case. Who arranged for the transportation for the women? Who arranged the march?.
The sane was confirmed unofficially by the police and was hinted upon that a separatist cleric from Budgam was behind these protests.
Aditya Raj Kaul, a senior Kashmiri journalist tweeted a video:
A woman interviewed by local news portals was quoted as saying, “They said that the fashion show was related to clothes only, but Kashmir being a Muslim-majority region [the show] has created unrest among us. We have come here to ask for our rights and oppose the fashion show because today this is about clothes, but tomorrow our girls can be forced into prostitution or something more dangerous.”
