Kashmir's first all-girl band quits after threats and cleric's decree
Teenagers disband following violent threats and cleric’s decree of ‘un-Islamic behaviour’
An all-female rock band in Kashmir has decided to split up following threats of violence on social media and a fatwa from a senior local Muslim cleric.
The three teenage members of Pragaash (which translates as "First Light") told reporters in India's only Muslim-majority state they were sorry if "the people" were unhappy with their music and that, to respect the religious ruling issued by Grand Mufti Mohammad Bashiruddin at the weekend, would no longer play.
The cleric, who has a history of controversy, had said the first all-female rock band in the contested state, was against "Islamic teachings" and suggested that such "behaviour" contributed to rising sexual assaults in India.
"Muftisaab has said our music is un-Islamic. We respect him and the people of Kashmir. That is why we quit," one unnamed band member, whose face was obscured in broadcast footage, told Times Now TV.
Muftisaab has said our music is un-Islamic. We respect him and the people of Kashmir. That is why we quit
The affair has revealed deep tensions in Kashmir, which was split between India and Pakistan when the two nations gained independence from Britain in 1947. As elsewhere in India, young people in the state are adopting lifestyles that challenge conservative values and authority.