Kashmir has many aspects other than militancy: Abhay Sopori

New Delhi (IANS) - Santoor maestro Abhay Rustam Sopori says he is tired of Kashmir being projected only as a militancy-infested region and insists his state has lots to offer in terms of sights, culture and music.

"This discussion has reached its peak, the projection of the state has been a shame. Kashmir is not just militancy-infested, there lies a lot of richness within," said Sopori.

The 31-year-old says music has the power to mend differences between nations.

"Music has a huge power, I have seen people dropping guns and turning to music," said Sopori, who learnt instrumental and vocal music from his grandfather Pandit Shamboo Nath Sopori.

"Sufism makes Kashmiri music even more rich," Sopori told IANS in an interview.

"The poetic language is very balanced - it never aims at any individual or  issue directly, but puts it across in a neutral manner, which hits the listeners in the right spirit," he added.

Sopori reveals he has also composed songs to raise funds for the victims of the Kashmir earthquake in 2005.

"The songs are an attempt to raise funds for Kashmir earthquake victims. It talks about harmony and showcases the state in positive light," he said.

Sopori, who is a graduate in management and computers, reveals that his family has played a very important role in popularising music in Kashmir.

"Our family has made a huge contribution to this field. My father and grandfather  have tried to popularise music in the state, considered a taboo earlier," he said.