Massive public reception accorded to IKMT representative in Kargil after global award in Iran

Kargil, Dec 25, KNT: A historic and emotionally charged welcome was accorded to the representative of the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT), Haji Asghar Ali Karbalai, following the Trust’s recognition with the International Imam Khomeini Award. From Khangral to Kargil town, locals lined up at various points to greet him, while large vehicle convoys from Kargil and adjoining areas assembled at Khangral, Wakha and Pushkum to join the reception.

A day earlier, representatives of Basij-e-Ruhaniyon and Basij-e-Imam had reached Leh. On Haji Karbalai’s arrival there, members of the Shia community, particularly various wings of Anjuman-e-Imamia Leh, extended a warm welcome. Several delegations met him during his stay in Leh and congratulated him on the international honour.

As the convoy entered Kargil, a large gathering was already present at Zainabiya Chowk. From there, Haji Karbalai, IKMT Chairman Sheikh Mohammad Sadiq Rajai and other religious scholars proceeded in a procession to Hussaini Park. Slogans were raised in support of the Islamic Republic of Iran and against global arrogance during the march.

Addressing the gathering at Hussaini Park, Haji Asghar Ali Karbalai said that IKMT had remained ideologically associated with the Islamic Revolution since its inception under the leadership of the late Sheikh Mohammad Hussain Zakiri. He said the Trust has completed 36 years, witnessing several challenges over the decades. He described the conferment of the International Imam Khomeini Award as a historic moment, coming 46 years after the Islamic Revolution. He informed that a total of 14 individuals and one association from across the world were honoured with the award.

He further said that the award was formally presented in Tehran by the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, along with Imam Khomeini’s grandson, Hujjat-ul-Islam Syed Hassan Khomeini. Paying tribute to the late Sheikh Mohammad Hussain Zakiri, he said it was a matter of pride that an institution once subjected to criticism is today being recognised at the global level.

Speaking on the occasion, IKMT Chairman Sheikh Mohammad Sadiq Rajai highlighted the foundational role of the late Sheikh Mohammad Hussain Zakiri, stating that he first strengthened the educational base in Kargil so that people could understand the message of the Islamic Revolution through knowledge. He said the spread of the revolutionary message in Kargil was the result of collective efforts by the Government of India, the public and the late Zakiri.

At the conclusion of the programme, the Chairman thanked the people for the grand reception accorded to Haji Asghar Ali Karbalai from Leh to Kargil. He also expressed gratitude to religious, social and political circles at regional, national and international levels, including Ladakh, for congratulating IKMT on receiving the International Imam Khomeini Award.

It may be recalled that on December 18, in Tehran, the Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust, Kargil, along with 14 individuals from different parts of the world, was honoured with the International Imam Khomeini Award by the President of Iran, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian. [KNT]