Khurshid Attends Khamenei Funeral, Praises Iranian Composure
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid stated that he observed "resilience and confidence" rather than fear or desperation during his recent trip to Iran to attend the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He portrayed the country as calm, disciplined, and well-organized despite the challenges following the leader's death.
Speaking to ANI about his experience, Khurshid noted that he was part of a delegation of Indian invitees and represented the Congress party at the funeral. "I was very deeply impressed and so was everybody who was in the group with me. There were many Indians, 10-12 Indians, who had travelled independently and separately on invitations from the Iranian government. I was representing the Congress Party and I was a lone representative of the Congress Party," he said.
Atmosphere of Fortitude and Solidarity
Describing the atmosphere in Iran, Khurshid said the people displayed remarkable composure and solidarity as they bid farewell to the slain leader. "We all had the clear impression that it's a remarkable society. It's incredible that despite what they had suffered, they had fortitude, they had presence of mind, they were calm, they were disciplined, and they were organised. Obviously focused on the funeral because that's what we went for: the funeral of the late Imam Ayatollah Khamenei," he added.
He emphasized that the sense of solidarity and commitment among the people was "absolutely remarkable" and noted that the visiting delegation followed a separate programme organized by Iranian authorities to pay respects and attend commemorative meetings. "But I didn't see any fear, I didn't see any apprehension, I didn't see any desperation or any stress. It's remarkable resilience and confidence that I saw all around me," Khurshid said.
No Signs of a Police State or Oppression
Khurshid was among the few Indian leaders who were not part of India's official representation at the six-day funeral ceremony. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita and Bihar Governor Lt Gen. (Rtd) Syed Ata Hasnain represented the Government of India. Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti also attended in her personal capacity.
The Congress leader further said he did not observe characteristics of a "police state" in Iran, noting that there was no overwhelming security presence. "It didn't look like a police state; there was no presence of armed policemen everywhere. There were just a few, as many as you would see here, perhaps even fewer police personnel on the roads," he said.
Khurshid also said he did not witness any oppression of women during his visit, claiming that women were actively engaged in official duties and freely moving in public spaces. "I didn't see any oppression in terms of the women who were working there in the protocol and the media and photographers for the official functions. I saw many women freely moving around, riding pillion on motorcycles and scooters. I saw a very ordered and a very organised society," he added.
Focus on Civilisational Ties Between India and Iran
Highlighting the sentiments expressed by the people he interacted with, Khurshid said they focused on the longstanding civilisational ties between India and Iran rather than expressing grievances. "There wasn't any constant complaint about you've not done enough for us; we have been let down; none of that. They were just looking at the positive side and emphasising the remarkable civilisational bonds and relationship there is between Iran and India," he said.
Calling the visit a "historic moment", Khurshid said his overall impression was that the Iranian people demonstrated extraordinary resilience. "It was extremely, extremely encouraging. It was a historic moment. I doubt if one will ever see this kind of moment again. But really, really, my impression is that they are remarkable people," he added.
Background of Khamenei's Funeral
Ali Khamenei was laid to rest at the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad late Thursday night as thousands of supporters gathered to pay their final farewells. He was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28. The final burial took place at the Dar al-Dhikr prayer hall after his coffin was carried around the holy shrine. The funeral prayers were led by his eldest son, Mostafa Khamenei. Following his death, his son Mojtaba Khamenei was appointed as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
