SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti is among several political and religious leaders from the Union Territory who have been invited by the Iranian government to attend the funeral ceremonies of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran.
According to a report by The Hindu, quoting PDP sources, Mufti has received a formal invitation and is expected to travel to the Iranian capital to pay her respects and offer condolences to the leadership and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Besides Mufti, the invitation has been extended to National Conference MP and Shia cleric Aga Syed Ruhullah, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference leader and Shia cleric Imran Raza Ansari, Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi, Masroor Abbas Ansari and Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al Safavi.
The invitation, issued by the International Relations Department of the Office of the Supreme Leader, states that the state funeral will be held in Tehran in accordance with Iran’s official mourning period and state protocol.
The communication also highlights the longstanding historical and diplomatic ties between Iran and India, stating that the participation of Indian dignitaries would reflect the mutual respect and friendship shared by the two countries.
Earlier reports indicated that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Congress leader Pawan Khera have also been invited to attend the funeral.
Meanwhile, Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd.) and Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita are expected to lead the official Indian delegation to Iran. However, the final composition of the delegation is yet to be announced.
