Omar, activists back all-girls Kashmiri rock band

Srinagar, Feb 2: Activists, filmmakers and others today came out in support of Kashmir's first all-girls rock band, which is facing online threats and abuses, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah ordering a police probe and hoping that the talented teenagers will not let themselves be silenced by a “handful of morons”.The girls, vocalist-guitarist Noma Nazir (16), drummer Farah Deeba and guitarist Aneeka Khalid (both 15), who defied convention to form the rock band “Pragaash” (darkness to light), have stopped live shows in the wake of the online threats.Activists and artistes expressed outrage at the online hate campaign against the girls, all students of Class X. “It is completely shameful...why is police silent against these cyber criminals.... Police chief should have initiated action against them and it should be done under the law of the land. Enough is enough,” filmmaker Shaykhh Mukhtar said. Activist Humaira Khan said “we are moving ahead, but why aren't our mentalities. We move ahead in real sense only when we open our minds.”The first live performance of Pragaash at Srinagar's music festival Battle of the Bands in December had created ripples in the Valley.But their euphoria was shortlived as the girls soon started receiving online threats including to their lives and absurd comments, leaving their parents worried and forcing them to keep a low profile.The Chief Minister said it was a matter of shame that those who demand freedom of speech on social media networks use it to threaten the girls.“The police will examine the threats issued and whether any provision of the law can be used to book those making the threats (to the rock band),” Omar said, adding “I hope these talented young girls will not let a handful of morons silence them.”Matoo said people who are not happy over progress of the youth in the Valley are behind such campaign. “Whenever a new thing happens in a society especially related to music and fashion, such things happen,” he said indicating that the girls will not be cowed down by the online threats and absurd comments and will continue to pursue their dream in music.He said the band is presently working on an album. Criticism is nothing new to Kashmiri women singers who defied strong opposition in the past as well and made a name in the field. Raj Begum, renowned Kashmiri singer, even won the national award.Activists and artistes expressed outrage at the online hate campaign against the girls.“It is completely shameful...why is police silent against these cyber criminals.... Police chief should have initiated action against them and it should be done under the law of the land. Enough is enough,” filmmaker and activist Shaykhh Mukhtar said.Activist Humaira Khan said “we are moving ahead, but why aren't our mentalities. We move ahead in real sense only when we open our minds.”