Srinagar, Oct. 3 -- After three weeks of restrictions , Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Umar Farooq addressed the gathering at Jama Masjid on Friday prayers and expressed deep dismay at being repeatedly prevented from coming to Jama Masjid and fulfilling his obligations of a Mirwaiz. Mirwaiz said that these restrictions serve no purpose except to highlight the arbitrariness and high handedness of those wanting to rule by force rather than in the spirit of democracy.

He said that the authorities in Jammu & Kashmir and in New Delhi need to demonstrate a large heart and wisdom in dealing with issues: "Imposing bans, placing restrictions, terminating people from government jobs, confiscating the properties of those leaders who are no longer alive, ...