Preferring music over controversy

LUDHIANA: Members of the Kashmiri community in the city and artists of bands decried the boycott call issued by separatists in Kashmir against Zubin Mehta ahead of his scheduled Srinagar concert. Terming the move as unfortunate, they said music promotes peace. Jishu Kaul, a medical student of DMCH who hails from Kashmir and is a vocalist of the Black Ice band formed at the institution, said, a??It hurts to see politics and religion dragged into something so sublime.Since time immemorial, art has not known caste, creed or religion. It is disheartening to see Zubin being dragged into the scenea??. Kaul also said he would perform in the Valley if given a chance. Members of the Kashmiri community and musicians asserted that music does no harm to society and boycotting Mehta would not benefit the Valley in any way.
Dr Tej K Kaul, Tagore Nagar
Zubin Mehta is a renowned musician. Controversy over his concert is sad. I talked to many of my friends there and they said that the controversy is unfortunate.
Nayan Koul, medical student, DMCH
Since ages Kashmir has been known for singers, musicians and poets. And now we hear that there is a controversy surrounding Zubin Mehta's concert. I think the civil society in J&K should come out in the support of the renowned artist.
Gurcharan Singh, student Chandigarh road
Kashmir society has shown tolerance in difficult times. I don't think that performance by Zubin Mehta will do any damage to socio-political set up in Kashmir. On the contrary, music may heal some wounds. Mann Sharma, vocalist of the band, Shan-e-Aala, who sang a song, 'Kal Phir se wohi' dedicated to Nirbhaya, said, 'I feel the show has received a lot of criticism but I am confident that music will ultimately win. History is witness to the fact that music has brought people together. I have a message for those who are boycotting the show, politics and religion should be kept away from music'. The city's all girl's band also expressed sadness at the volley of criticism for Zubin's concert. 'Music cools the mind down. I don't see any threat to anyone from music. A musician will not spread hate and almost all good musicians believe in peace', said Nishtha Arora, lead guitarist of All Girl's band, Punk Angels.