A row was triggered over the all-girl rock band in Indian-controlled Kashmir, bringing separatists in stiff opposition of the pro- Indian politicians.

The controversy sparked after the band Pragaash (First Light) decided against live performances following death threats and hate mails on their Facebook page.

Pragaash shot into prominence in December last year when three high school girls, won a competition "Battle of Bands" in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"The girls broke down after seeing online abusive comments. The criticism has been unnerving for their families as well," said Adnan Matoo, the Band's manager in an interview to private television news channel.

Following the band's decision, the region's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah urged the girls to ignore "a handful of morons who are trying to silence them." He also promised police will look into the online hate campaign.

Abdullah's support draw condemnation from the region's government appointed Grand Mufti (Islamic jurist) Mufti Bashir-ud- Din Ahmad. He accused the band of "indecent behavior" and called it "un-Islamic".

"Such trivial acts (singing and playing instruments) never develop a society but are a first step to demolish its moral fabric," said Ahmad. "I am happy that the new generation has attained a pro-development and pro-religion stance but there are some girls treading on the path of destruction. They should stop from such activities and not to get influenced by the support of political leadership."

The head priest has also directed the parents of the band to introduce their daughters to Islamic teachings, formal education and moral values.

While Abdullah's statement was supported by artists, musicians and other pro-Indian politicians, the region's separatist groups share similar views with Grand Mufti's diktat.

"In a civilized society, though there is no place for coercion, there are some values a citizen has to adopt to safeguard the ethical, moral and religious traditions," said Ayaz Akbar, spokesman of hardline Hurriyat (freedom) Conference. "We believe that parents should tell them that such acts are un-Islamic."

Indian-controlled Kashmir is a Muslim-majority region. Following the anti-India insurgency in 1989, liquor shops and cinema halls were closed, posters of scantily clad Indian film stars that were plastered in the main city markets and downtown areas were painted black.

Dukhtaran-e-Millat, a puritanical Islamist women's group too urged the girl band to refrain from singing. Endi

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