Junoon frenzy grips the Valley

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The Hindustan Times, New Delhi - 26th May 2008


Kashmir Rocked
Pak Band performs for peace, calls it "Musical Jehad"

HT Correspondent
Srinagar, May 25

Vigorous guitar riffs and Sufiana lyrics filled the air as close to 4,000 Kashmiri music aficionados converged on the banks of the DAL for a rare event: a concert by Pakistani rock group Junoon.

With former Sri Lanka president Chandrika Kumaratunge, Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer and Farooq Abdullah in attendance, the band, arguably one of the hottest rock acts in South Asia, belted out numbers like Khudi ko kar buland itna, Ya Ali and the popular Sayouni.

"The beauty of their lyrics makes one forget the pain of terror", said Sania Jan; one of the first to arrive for the concert, despite opposition from groups like the United Jehad Council.

It was a dream come true for the group, said guitarist-lyristics Salman Ahmad. "We've not seen such an ambience before". On opposition from militants, he said: "I want them to join us in the musical jehad for peace".

The event coincided with the launch of the Kasmir University. "Music stimulates the world of intellect and learning", added vive-chancellor Riyaz Punjabi.