Islamabad,(Parliament Times): Altaf Ahmed Bhat, Senior leader of the All Parties Huriyat Conference (APHC) and Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Salvation Movement (JKSM), has expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, calling his loss a deep blow to the people of Iran, the Muslim world, and the Kashmiri cause.
In a statement issued today, Bhat said, “With the passing of Ayatollah Khamenei, Kashmir has lost a steadfast friend and an unwavering supporter of justice. His voice always stood for the oppressed and he consistently championed the rights of the Kashmiri people.”
Bhat recalled Khamenei’s decades-long advocacy for Kashmir and Palestine, stating, “He was a beacon of courage and conviction, never hesitant to speak out against injustice. His guidance inspired millions to stand firm against oppression.”
*Observing the outpouring of grief in Kashmir, Bhat noted that hundreds of thousands of people in Srinagar took to the streets to protest his killing and pay homage. “The massive public demonstrations reflect the deep love, respect, and admiration that the people of Kashmir held for him. His support for Kashmir and the oppressed earned him a permanent place in the hearts of Kashmiris,” he added.*
The JKSM Chairman also expressed solidarity with the Iranian nation in their grief and prayed for strength and patience for the people of Iran in facing this irreparable loss.
Highlighting the broader implications of international conflict, Bhat condemned the missile attacks that led to the martyrdom of senior Iranian military officials, describing them as a blatant violation of international law. “No nation has the right to carry out acts of aggression against a sovereign state or target its leadership under any pretext,” he said.
He warned that such aggressive actions, framed as security measures, risk destabilizing peace and security across the region and the wider world. “The international community must take note and work to prevent further violations of law and sovereignty,” Bhat added.