Srinagar, Jan 9 || Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir said on Friday that authorities had placed him under house arrest, thereby denying him the opportunity to join congregational prayers seeking rain and snow for Jammu and Kashmir.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said on X, “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 (prayer)' for rain and snow during this unusually dry winter. Our prayers remain our strength may Allah accept them.”
Kashmir Valley has been reeling under an unprecedented dry spell and the plains of the Valley are yet to receive this season’s first snowfall.
People are worried about the absence of heavy snowfall this season so that perennial water reservoirs in the mountains get replenished to sustain various water bodies during the summer months.
Congregational prayers were held at many places in the Valley on Friday seeking God's mercy so that a bountiful snowfall occurs during the remaining period of the ongoing 40-day long ‘Chillai Kalan’ which will end on January 30.