Iran invites Kashmir's Mehbooba Mufti to Khamenei funeral, bypassing other leaders
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti returned to India on Sunday after attending the funeral of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Her invitation marked her as the only Sunni leader from Kashmir to participate in the high-profile event, which drew leaders from multiple countries.
The invitation list notably excluded the Abdullah family, traditionally seen as Kashmir's first political family, despite National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and three of his MPs having visited the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi on March 10 to sign the condolence book. Observers noted that Mehbooba Mufti, president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was chosen over other Kashmiri figures, including separatist cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
According to a senior political leader who spoke on condition of anonymity, Mehbooba Mufti's public stance on issues related to Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon in recent years influenced Iran's decision. She had openly supported Iran during the four-month US-Iran war, making appeals for public donations for Iran and its people. On multiple occasions, she praised Iran's bravery and steadfastness, called Israel 'an evil', and opposed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel ahead of the conflict, saying it was not a good message.
Her attire, typically a head-to-toe free-flowing dress in line with Islamic guidelines, also reportedly made a positive impression on Iranian authorities. The source added that the biggest message from Iran to India was that Tehran does not view matters solely through a sectarian lens and endorses like-minded leaders from other Islamic sects.
During her visit, Mehbooba Mufti filmed a visit to Husayniah Jamaran, the historic home of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. She described the experience as 'deeply spiritual and humbling', stating that it reminded her that unwavering faith in Allah, resilience, and devotion to justice can inspire generations. She was seen crying while offering prayers at Khamenei's coffin and said she was departing 'with thoughts are with Iran's brave leadership and resilient people'.
Mehbooba Mufti expressed gratitude to the Iranian government for being gracious hosts, stating, 'We will always stand with you.' The visit is likely to impact her political standing within Kashmir and beyond, as she becomes a key figure in Iran's outreach to Sunni-majority regions.
