Kashmir's Chief Cleric Meets Iranian Ambassador, Condemns Attacks
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq led a high-level delegation to meet Iran's ambassador to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali, on Friday. The meeting centered on expressing profound condolences over the recent deaths of Iran's top leadership in what has been described as Israel-US attacks.
Delegation Conveys Solidarity with Iran
According to an official statement released by Mirwaiz, the delegation represented the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema, a prominent amalgamation of religious organizations operating across Kashmir. During the meeting, Mirwaiz conveyed heartfelt condolences specifically addressing the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with his family members and other key Iranian leaders.
The statement emphasized "deep solidarity with the people of Iran in their hour of hardship," reflecting the emotional and political significance of the gesture. The delegation strongly condemned the ongoing conflict, characterizing it as a war that has been "imposed" on Iran, and expressed hope that diplomatic efforts would ultimately prevail to restore peace and stability in the region.
Highlighting Historical and Cultural Ties
Beyond the immediate condolences, Mirwaiz took the opportunity to underscore the "deep-rooted cultural, historical and religious ties between Kashmir and Iran." He referenced Kashmir's historical nickname "Iran-e-Sagheer," meaning "little Iran," to illustrate the enduring bond that has connected Kashmiris with the Iranian people for centuries.
This cultural connection was further highlighted by the presence of other notable figures in the delegation, including:
- Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam
- Aga Syed Hassan Al-Mosvi
- Aga Syed Hadi AlMosvi
- Aga Syed Mujtaba
Widespread Support from Kashmir
The meeting with the Iranian ambassador follows substantial demonstrations of support from within Kashmir. Earlier this month, thousands of people gathered at Srinagar's Lal Chowk and later in Budgam to protest and condemn the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei.
Furthermore, the Valley witnessed an extensive donation drive in response to an appeal from the Iranian embassy. Contributions poured in from across the region, including:
- Cash donations
- Gold items
- Traditional copperware
- Household essentials
- Vehicles
- Livestock
Political Figures Show Solidarity
The diplomatic outreach extended beyond religious leaders to include prominent political figures from Jammu and Kashmir. Former Chief Minister and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti became the first political leader from the region to visit the Iranian embassy, expressing her solidarity with Iran.
She was followed by National Conference MPs, with NC president Farooq Abdullah visiting the Iranian diplomatic mission on March 10 to sign the official condolence book commemorating Khamenei's death. This multi-faceted response demonstrates the depth of connection Kashmir maintains with Iran, spanning religious, cultural, and political dimensions.
