Zubin Mehta's concert crucial for Kashmir's growth: NC

Earlier in 2012, the valley's sole all girls rock band 'Pragaash' was banned

Rejecting the views of the Kashmiri hardliners on the concert to be performed by renowned music conductor Zubin Mehta here, the ruling National Conference said Friday the event would not be stopped, as it is essential for growth in the valley.

An elaborate and thick blanket of security has been put in place in and around Shalimar Garden, the venue of the concert.

Controversy around Mehta arose after the German embassy announced plans to organise a concert by him in Srinagar on September 7.

Last month, separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah had said it was inappropriate to hold the concert at a time when the region is in turmoil.

Opposing the proposed 'Ehsas-e-Kashmir' concert, civil society members contended that the show has been aimed at eclipsing the ground realities of Kashmir.

National Conference leader Mustafa Kamala said the Hurriyat protest against the event was uncalled for.

"For the Hurriyat Conference to say that this musical concert by Zubin Mehta would take the focus away from the problems of Kashmir and would hide the human rights violations here, is absolutely absurd," said Kamal.

Maestro Mehta and his Bavarian State Orchestra would be performing in presence of select invitees and dignitaries.

Reportedly, more than 1000 guests have been invited for the musical event, which is being sponsored by many multinational corporations and voluntary organisations.

In 2012, the Kashmir valley's sole all girls rock band 'Pragaash' was banned after a fatwa was issued by Muslim clerics. The band also received online threat messages, which forced it to disband.