Kargil, May 21: The Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT) in Kargil, along with various religious and political organizations in the district, have expressed profound grief over the tragic death of Iran’s President, Ayatollah Syed Ibrahim Raeisi, and his colleagues in a helicopter crash.
The IKMT issued a condolence letter on behalf of the Kargil community, describing the incident as a shocking “martyrdom” and extending prayers for patience and solace to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei, the Iranian people, and the families of those who perished.
Other organizations, including Jamiat Ulema Isna Ashriya Kargil (JUIAK), Jamiat Ulema Leh, Anjuman Sahib Zaman Sankoo, and Anjuman Inqilab Mehdi Suru, also released messages of support and sympathy for the Supreme Leader, the Iranian populace, and the bereaved families.
Upon hearing the initial, uncertain news of the crash on Sunday evening, numerous prayer congregations were hastily organized in villages and hamlets across Kargil, praying for the safety of President Raeisi and his entourage.
After confirmation of the tragic deaths, mourning congregations were held at Jama Masjid Kargil by the IKMT, in Sankoo by Anjuman Sahib Zaman, and in various other locations. These mourning gatherings are set to continue for three days.
The helicopter crash occurred Sunday afternoon as President Raeisi and his team were en route to Tabriz, the capital of Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, from a site near the border with the Republic of Azerbaijan, where the president had inaugurated a major dam project.
Rescuers discovered the helicopter wreckage early Monday after an extensive search involving over 70 teams. The crash also claimed the lives of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, two senior provincial officials, and several crew members and bodyguards.
