Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti is among several leaders from the Union Territory who have been invited by Iran to attend the funeral ceremonies of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran.
A report by The Hindu quoting PDP sources said Mufti has received a formal invitation and is expected to travel to the Iranian capital to pay her respects and convey condolences to the people and leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The invite has also been extended to National Conference MP and Shia cleric Aga Syed Ruhullah, Jammu and Kashmir People’s Conference leader and Shia cleric Imran Ansari, Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi, Masroor Abbas Ansari and Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al Safavi.
An invitation issued by the International Relations Department of the Office of the Supreme Leader said the state funeral would be held in Tehran in accordance with the country’s official mourning period and state protocols.
The letter said the invitation reflected the longstanding historical and strategic relationship between Iran and India, adding that the presence of Indian dignitaries would symbolise the friendship and mutual respect shared by the two countries.
Earlier, reports said Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid and Congress leader Pawan Khera had 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 likely to head the official Indian delegation to Iran. The final composition of the delegation, however, is yet to be announced.
