Srinagar, Jul 3: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former minister and Shia cleric Molvi Imran Reza Ansari are part of the Indian delegation visiting Iran to attend the funeral ceremonies of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The funeral ceremonies are scheduled to be held from July 4 to July 9 across several Iranian cities, with representatives from around 30 countries expected to participate.
Ahead of the funeral, Mehbooba Mufti paid her respects at late Khamenei's coffin in Tehran on Friday.
She later posted on X a video of her at late Khamenei's coffin along with text stating,
"An honour for me to be here in Tehran to express my deepest condolences & solidarity on the martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei- a revered leader who dared to stand against the tide & fought for the oppressed."
Mufti is reportedly the only non-Shia political leader from Jammu and Kashmir invited by Iran to attend the ceremonies.
Former minister and president of the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association, Molvi Imran Reza Ansari, also paid his final tributes to late Ayatollah Khamenei during the farewell ceremony in Tehran.
Standing beside the coffin, Ansari offered prayers and described the late Iranian leader as a towering religious personality whose guidance, wisdom, and steadfast commitment to Islam inspired millions across the world.
In a statement issued from Tehran, Ansari said the passing of Ayatollah Khamenei was a great loss for the Muslim Ummah, adding that he had devoted his life to serving Islam, defending the oppressed, and promoting justice and human dignity.
The All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association also expressed condolences over Ayatollah Khamenei's demise and prayed for eternal peace for the departed leader while seeking patience and strength for his followers.
According to Iranian state media, the funeral programme will begin with farewell ceremonies in Tehran on July 4 and 5, followed by the main funeral procession in the capital on July 6.
Ceremonies will then be held in the holy city of Qom on July 7 before the final burial in Khamenei's hometown of Mashhad on July 9.
Representatives from around 30 countries are expected to attend the ceremonies.
