Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Umar Farooq on Friday said that authorities once again denied him permission to visit Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid, expressing sadness over being unable to lead the faithful in a collective dua for rain and snow as Kashmir continues to reel under an unusually dry winter.

“Another Friday, and once again authorities denied me permission to go to Jama Masjid. It is deeply saddening that I could not lead the faithful in collective dua for rain and snow during this unusually dry winter. Our prayers remain our strength may Allah accept them,” the Mirwaiz posted on X, calling the repeated restrictions distressing.

Mirwaiz had announced special prayers seeking rain and snowfall amid the prolonged dry spell across the Valley. However, he was not allowed to leave his residence, preventing him from leading the congregation.

Despite the curbs, Imam-e-Hai Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Naqshbandi, led the special dua in the mosque filled with worshippers. He urged people to repent, seek mercy and intensify prayers as the prolonged dry spell continues to affect life in the Valley. Naqshbandi said it was painful that even offering dua a purely religious and humanitarian act now invites house arrest, adding that repeated curbs on the Mirwaiz have hurt public and religious sentiments.