Two Kashmir Shia clerics ‘disallowed’ to travel to Iran for Ali Khamenei’s final rites

Two Kashmir Shia clerics were denied permission to travel to Iran, a day after the Iranian International Relations Department invited them to attend the final rites of assassinated leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

J&K Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian president Aga Syed Hassan Al-Mosavi Al-Safavi was stopped by the Bureau of Immigration on Thursday. “Officials seized his passport, and prevented him from boarding the flight despite all requisite travel documents, including a valid passport, visa, and confirmed travel arrangements,” said a spokesman of the organisation.

“No explanation or written order was furnished to justify the action,” said the spokesperson.

The Shia organisation called upon the authorities concerned “to immediately clarify the circumstances under which this action was taken and urged them to act with transparency, fairness, and in accordance with the principles of justice and the rule of law, while respecting the dignity and rights of religious leaders”. 

Another Shia cleric Masroor Abbas Ansari was also “denied a passport”. “Today, my heart is heavy. I received an invitation to attend the funeral ceremonies of Shaheed Ayatollah Khamenei beginning on 4th July. For any devoted admirer, being present at such a historic and deeply emotional occasion would have been an immense honour and a once-in-a-lifetime blessing,” said Mr. Ansari.

Five Shia clerics and former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti are among those invited by Iran to attend the burial ceremonies of assassinated Iranian supreme leader in an Israeli strike on February 28 this year.  

PDP sources said Ms. Mufti received a formal invitation to attend the ceremony. She is likely to visit Iran “to pay her respects and offer condolences” to the people and leadership of Iran.