Kashmiris remember Khamenei’s 1980 Kashmir visit
Srinagar: The martyrdom of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has brought back memories of his significant 1980 visit to Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, where he delivered a historic speech at Jamia Masjid, Srinagar promoting Shia-Sunni unity.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the young cleric, who later succeeded Ruhollah Khomeini as Iran’s Supreme Leader, aimed to strengthen ties with Muslim communities abroad .
Khamenei’s 48-hour visit included meetings with local leaders, visits to shrines, and a 15-minute address emphasizing sectarian harmony.
Eyewitnesses recall massive crowds gathering at Srinagar airport, with people arriving from across the Valley. His speech at Jamia Masjid, led by Mirwaiz Moulvi Muhammad Farooq, marked a turning point in local sectarian relations.
Khamenei’s visit showcased Iran’s post-revolution outreach. Local accounts describe it as a symbolically important episode in Kashmir’s religious history, fostering inter-sect understanding.
