A B Wani
Srinagar, July 2 : The Islamic Republic of Iran has extended formal invitations to former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and five prominent Shia clerics from the Union Territory to attend the funeral and burial ceremonies of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to reports, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti has received an official invitation from the Office of the Supreme Leader and is expected to travel to Tehran to participate in the ceremonies. During her visit, she is likely to pay respects to the late leader and convey condolences to the people and leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Besides Mehbooba Mufti, invitations have also been extended to National Conference Member of Parliament and senior Shia cleric Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference leader Imran Raza Ansari, Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi, Masroor Abbas Ansari, and Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al Safavi.
The participation of these leaders highlights the longstanding religious and cultural ties between sections of Jammu and Kashmir’s Shia community and Iran.
The funeral and burial ceremonies are expected to take place in Tehran. Thousands of mourners, senior Iranian officials, foreign delegations, and religious figures are likely to gather to pay their final respects to the late Supreme Leader.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli strike during the early phase of the West Asia conflict earlier this year. His death marked a significant development in the region and prompted an outpouring of condolences from supporters and leaders across the world.(GNS)
