Morons cannot silence girl band, says Omar Abdullah

Feb 4, 2013

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has come down heavily on those threatening the three young girls who have formed the Valley’s only rock band, Pragash, and on Monday promised police investigations into the threats.

He encouraged the girls, saying their talent should not be stymied by “a handful of morons who are trying to silence them”.

AFP

AFP

Late Sunday evening, Kashmir’s Grand Mufti (head priest) Mufti Bashiruddin had issued a ‘fatwa’ (religious decree) against the singing of the girls, and criticised the government for “trying to encourage a shameless act”.

The chief minister, however, was unfazed and poured scorn on the ‘fatwa’.

“Given the importance people attach to the fatwas of the Grand Mufti, the less said the better,” he tweeted.

The three local girls formed the Valley’s only girls’ rock band last year. The girls had earlier received threats on social media. Local police have begun investigations into the threats, and the girls have taken a break from performing.

The girls’ band attracted public attention when they finished third in a local competition, Battle of Bands last month.

IANS

Also see

Firstpost encourages open discussion and debate, but please adhere to the rules below, before posting. Comments that are found to be in violation of any one or more of the guidelines will be automatically deleted:

Personal attacks/name calling will not be tolerated. This applies to comments directed at the author, other commenters and other politicians/public figures

Please do not post comments that target a specific community, caste, nationality or religion.

While you do not have to use your real name, any commenters using any Firstpost writer's name will be deleted, and the commenter banned from participating in any future discussions.

Comments will be moderated for abusive and offensive language.

Please read our comments and moderation policy before posting