Singers can't be silenced by morons: Omar Abdullah on all-girl band

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said the police will investigate the online hate campaign against the band,  Pragaash, whose three members are students of Class 12.

He told the girls to ignore "a handful of morons who are trying to silence them."

Late Sunday evening, Kashmir's Grand Mufti (head priest) Bashiruddin Ahmed issued a 'fatwa' (religious decree) , describing singing as un-Islamic. He criticised the government for "trying to encourage a shameless act."

"Society cannot be built or developed by doing un-Islamic acts like singing. I have advised these girls, and other Muslims as well, to stay within the limits of modesty as prescribed for them," the mufti said.

"Given the importance people attach to the fatwas of the Grand Mufti, the less said the better," tweeted the chief minister today.

The  National Commission for Women has also refuted the mufti's view.  Mamata Sharma, who heads the commission, said, "This is wrong. Every one has their own perspective, there are traditions. But I believe that if after so many years of independence, we stop girls from any work, it will be our double standards."

The first live performance of 'Pragaash' (which means "from darkness to light") at Srinagar's music festival 'Battle of the Bands' in December had created ripples in the Valley.   The band placed third in the competition.

"There has been a wicked campaign against the girls ever since they made their maiden appearance in public on December 26," said Adnan Matoo, who runs musical academy Band Inn where the girls have trained.  

Mr Matoo, who is also the band manager, said the girls cried after seeing the abusive comments online.

Though they have stopped live shows for now, the girls have said said they will continue to pursue their passion-music.