Noted Kashmiri singer Naseem Akhter passed away

Srinagar: Noted Kashmiri singer Naseem Akhter died after a brief illness in a hospital here last evening, family sources said today.
She was 80.
She breathed her last in the Sher-e-Kashmir institute of medical sciences (SKIMS) where she was admitted, they said.
Akhter was among the first women singers who despite facing tough challenges from the society, joined the Radio Kashmir Srinagar in 1951 as a casual artist.
She joined the station as staff artist when singing profession by women was not seen good in the society.
She won a number of state awards and performed in different parts of the country.
Cultural organisations have expressed grief over the demise of the singer.