Kashmir's first all-female rock band quits after threats

An investigation has been ordered into alleged online threats which have prompted Kashmir's first female rock band to quit.

The band Pragaash, which means "from darkness to light", was created last year and performed in a "battle of the bands" contest in Srinagar.

Organiser Adnan Matoo, who staged the contest for young musicians in the Muslim-majority region, said the teenagers were due to perform live concerts but changed their plans after receiving online abuse and threats of violence. One wrote: "Personally, I consider them as shameless and spoiled brats."

Kashmir's chief minister, Omar Abdullah, said he had asked police if social media users could be charged for posting the offensive comments.

"Shame on those who claim freedom of speech via social media and then... threaten girls who have the right to choose to sing," he said on Twitter. "I hope these talented young girls will not let a handful of morons silence them."