SRINAGAR: A delegation of the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), led by Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Friday visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi to express condolences over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei earlier this month.
The delegation, which included Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, Aga Syed Hassan Al-Mosvi, Aga Syed Hadi Al-Mosvi, and Aga Syed Mujtaba, met with Iranian Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Fathali and other officials. According to media reports, the MMU conveyed “heartfelt condolences on the martyrdom of Ayatollah Khamenei, his family members, and other leadership,” and expressed “deep solidarity with the people of Iran in their hour of invasion and hardship.”
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq told reporters that the killing of Khamenei “deeply saddened the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” and expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in West Asia, describing it as an “aggression imposed on Iran by the United States and Israel.” He urged that diplomatic efforts be intensified to bring an end to the hostilities.
Writing in the condolence book, Mirwaiz stated, “The Ummah has lost a towering and influential leader whose voice and presence resonated far beyond borders. The leadership and people of Jammu and Kashmir extend their heartfelt condolences and stand in firm solidarity with the people of Iran in this hour of grief and trial. May Allah grant him maghfirah and bestow strength, patience, and dignity upon his people.”
The delegation also highlighted the historical, cultural, and religious ties between Kashmir and Iran. Media reports noted that Kashmir has long been referred to as “Iran-e-Sagheer” (Little Iran), underscoring enduring connections between the two regions. Mirwaiz added that the people of Kashmir have shown solidarity with Iran through peaceful protests and financial contributions to the Iranian Embassy.
Several political leaders, including National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, have also paid respects at the Iranian Embassy in recent weeks.
A spokesperson for the MMU reaffirmed that “unity, steadfastness, and collective prayers for peace are the need of the hour” as people face the ongoing challenges in West Asia.
