'Don’t Speak Against India': Kashmiri Shia Leader Reportedly Stopped from Flying to Iran

Kashmir: Prominent Shia cleric and Hurriyat Conference executive committee member Aga Syed Hassan Musavi was reportedly stopped from boarding an Iran-bound flight at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday. It has been claimed that he was invited to attend the funeral of late Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran.

What allegations did the son make?

Aga Hasan's son and PDP MLA Muntazir Mehdi alleges that immigration officials did not allow his father to board the plane. He says that the authorities placed a condition that he would be allowed to travel only if he would not make any public statement on India's official policy or issues related to Kashmir.

According to Mehdi, his father clearly said that he was only going to attend the funeral and would not give any kind of speech. Despite this he reportedly refused to accept any such conditions.

Is there any claim of confiscation of passport also?

Muntazir Mehdi also alleged that the authorities took possession of Aga Hasan's passport after stopping the journey. According to him, after this the passport was sent to Srinagar Regional Passport Office (RPO) for further action.

Which Indian leaders had Iran sent invitations to?

According to reports, five prominent leaders of Jammu and Kashmir had received an invitation from Iran to attend the funeral. These included Aga Syed Hasan, Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, Imran Ansari, Syed Hadi and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti.

It was reported that Mehbooba Mufti and Imran Ansari got permission to go to Iran by special plane, while Syed Hadi has not travelled yet.

Who is Agha Syed Hasan?

Agha Syed Hasan is counted among the prominent Shia religious leaders of Jammu and Kashmir. He is also a member of the executive committee of the Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat Conference. His son Muntazir Mehdi is a PDP leader and MLA.

Note: This news is based on allegations made by the concerned party and publicly available reports. The situation may become clear once the official response to these claims comes from the concerned Indian authorities.