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

Two Shiite clerics from Kashmir have been denied permission to travel to Iran, a day after Iran’s Ministry of International Relations invited them to attend the last rites of assassinated leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran held a funeral for Ali Khamenei: Who is attending?

J&K Anjuman-e-Sharie Shia chief Agha Syed Hasan Al Mousavi Al Safawi was stopped by the Immigration Department on Thursday. “Authorities confiscated his passport and prevented him from boarding the flight despite having all the necessary travel documents, including a valid passport, visa and approved travel arrangements,” a spokesman for the organization said.

“No explanation or written instructions were given to justify the action,” the spokesman said.

The Shiite organization called on the relevant authorities to “immediately explain the circumstances under which this action was carried out” and called on them to act in accordance with the principles of transparency, fairness, justice and the rule of law, and with respect for the dignity and rights of religious leaders.

Iran held a funeral for Ali Khamenei: Who is attending?

Another Shiite cleric, Masrur Abbas Ansari, was also denied a passport. “My heart is heavy today. I received an invitation to attend the funeral ceremonies of Martyr Ayatollah Khamenei, which began on July 4. For every devoted fan, it would be a great honor and a once-in-a-lifetime blessing to be present at such a historic and highly emotional event,” Mr. Ansari said.

Five Shiite clerics and former Prime Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti are among those invited by Iran to the funeral of the Iranian religious leader killed in an Israeli attack on February 28 this year.

PDP sources said Ms Mufti received an official invitation to attend the ceremony. He is expected to visit Iran “to pay his respects and offer condolences” to the Iranian people and leaders.