Mon Mar 10 07:15:27 UTC 2025: ## J&K Assembly Roiled by Heated Debate Over Civilian Killings and Gulmarg Fashion Show

**Jammu, March 10, 2025** – The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was thrown into disarray today as opposition and ruling party members clashed over the recent killings of civilians in Kathua and a controversial fashion show held in Gulmarg during Ramzan.

The National Conference (NC), People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and two Independent MLAs condemned the fashion show, calling it obscene and disrespectful to religious sentiments. They demanded a thorough investigation into how such an event was permitted during the holy month. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has already ordered an inquiry.

Meanwhile, BJP members highlighted the killings of three civilians in Billawar, whose bodies were found near a waterbody on Saturday. They urged the government to focus on apprehending those responsible, rather than engaging in political point-scoring. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with Congress MLA Irfan Hafiz calling it a grave human rights violation.

The debate quickly devolved into shouting matches and accusations, lasting over 25 minutes. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather repeatedly attempted to restore order, stating that discussions would be allowed after the Question Hour, but the disruptions continued. He later ruled that debates on both the fashion show and civilian killings were inadmissible, given the ongoing investigations ordered by the Chief Minister and Lieutenant Governor respectively.

Adding fuel to the fire, Bani MLA Rameshwar Singh was assaulted by protesters on Saturday night, prompting further outcry. The Speaker condemned the attack, but BJP MLA Satesh Sharma accused Singh of political opportunism.

The heated exchanges culminated in the expulsion of MLA Sheikh Khursheed for disorderly conduct. Minister Sakina Itoo later confirmed that a probe into the Gulmarg fashion show was underway. The Assembly session ended with unresolved tensions and a lingering sense of unease over the multiple crises facing the state.

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