Around 40 years back, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei visited Karnataka’s Alipura, which helped in creating a bond between the village and Iran. However, after the Iranian leader was killed on March 1 (Sunday) in the US-Israeli strikes, the residents of the Shia-dominated locality are grieving his death.
On Sunday, a sombre atmosphere enveloped the village in Chikkaballapur district, which is 70 km from state capital Bengaluru. Many people could not hold back their tears during a special prayer organised to mourn Khamenei’s passing away. The village even has a hospital named after him. Of the 30,000 residents in Alipura, a majority are Shias, according to a PTI report.
Three-Day Mourning in Alipura
Villagers announced a three-day mourning as a mark of tribute to the Shia supreme leader. Residents observed silence, and shops and commercial establishments voluntarily closed.
All celebrations and public events have been suspended to maintain a peaceful environment in this village.
Khamenei’s Visit To Alipura in 1986
According to villagers, Ali Khamenei visited Alipura in 1986, following an invitation. After that visit, the bond between the village and Iran strengthened significantly, they said.
A hospital was later built in the village in his name, symbolising the community’s respect and reverence for Khamenei.
Villagers said many families in Alipura maintain direct connections with Iran. Some residents live there, having settled for higher education and employment.
In this context, the news of Khamenei’s death came as a shock to the villagers, with a pall of gloom descending over Alipura. On Sunday, a special prayer was organised in the Shia mosque to pray for Khamenei’s soul to rest in peace. During the prayers, people wept, saying such an incident should not have happened.
The mourners wore black outfit, held black flags and took out a march condemning the killing of Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in the shelling. Holding Khamenei’s photograph, they raised slogans.
