Jammu I March 10, 2025- The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed significant unrest as BJP legislators brought attention to the mysterious deaths of three civilians in Kathua, sparking a heated uproar. The bodies of the three individuals, who had gone missing on March 5 while returning from a wedding in Billawar, were discovered near a waterbody in the upper reaches of Kathua on Saturday. This incident led to intense verbal clashes between members of the National Conference , Congress, PDP, and BJP, lasting over 25 minutes. BJP members demanded a thorough investigation into the killings, with some, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh, alleging terrorist involvement and a conspiracy to disrupt peace in the region. Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz labeled the incident a severe human rights violation, particularly noting the death of a child among the victims.
Simultaneously, PDP legislators raised concerns over a controversial fashion show held in Gulmarg during the holy month of Ramadan, demanding accountability from the government. The event, organized on March 7 by designers Shivan & Narresh to mark their 15th anniversary, featured models in skiwear and drew widespread criticism for its timing and perceived obscenity. PDP MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz, alongside NC MLA Tanvir Sadiq and others, condemned the show as disrespectful to local sentiments, especially during a period of religious significance.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah responded to both issues in the Assembly. On the Kathua deaths, he expressed sympathy to the victims’ families on behalf of the government and assured that an investigation was underway. Regarding the Gulmarg fashion show, he clarified that it was a private event held at a private hotel with no government infrastructure involved, distancing the administration from its organisation. However, acknowledging the public backlash, he ordered a probe into the matter, stating that the “shock and anger” were understandable given the disregard for local sensitivities. The dual controversies led to significant disruptions, with MLA Sheikh Khursheed being marshalled out for creating noisy scenes, underscoring the charged atmosphere in the Assembly.