Thousands gathered at Alipora in Karnataka’s Chikkaballapur district on Sunday to mourn the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, even as they recalled his visit to the village in 1981 to inaugurate a hospital built in collaboration with the Iranian government.
The facility that still bears his name.
Shops were closed and black flags lined the streets of Alipora, about 70 kilometers from Bengaluru, while members of the local community dressed in black took out a procession led by the Anjuman Jaffaria Committee.
“We held a meeting with members of the Anjuman Jafari Committee. They planned to hold a prayer meeting on Sunday afternoon, followed by a protest procession against Khamenei’s death,” said Kushal Choksi, superintendent of police in Chikkaballapur district.
Archival references and photographs published on the Iranian leader’s official website show him being received by crowds in Bengaluru and Alipura in 1981. Locals narrate the visit as one that “strengthened the spiritual bond between our people and Iran”.
“When we were young, Khamenei visited our village, and since then he called Alipoor the ‘child of Iran,’” said Ari Askil, head of the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission.
Alipora, formerly known as Bilikunti, traces its present identity to the migration during the Bijapur Adil Shahi period. Its population is estimated at between 20,000 and 25,000 people, about 90% of the population are Shiite Muslims, and about 100 Hindu families.
The village maintains long-standing religious, educational and familial ties to Iran – more than 50% of residents are currently pursuing religious studies there, and others are enrolled in medical programs or involved in businesses.
“Our relationship with Iran is not just about trade, it is deeply rooted in religion,” said Shafiq, a resident. “Mashhad in Iran is one of the holiest places for Shiite Muslims, and many of our village studied and lived there.”
Natheq Alipuri, a member of the Karnataka Urdu Academy, said the news of Khamenei’s death shook the community. He said: “We strongly condemn the attack on Iran and the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. This news has shocked and deeply saddened our entire society. He was a voice for the oppressed, especially the Palestinian people. His loss is not only for Iran, but for Muslims around the world.”
Maulana Syed Ibrahim, a local resident, criticized the silence of Islamic countries regarding the “unprovoked” attack. He added: “The attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel are unjustified and strongly condemned. It is unfortunate that many Islamic countries remain silent instead of standing united.” “We organize peaceful protests with the permission of the police and observe mourning in accordance with the law.”
Community leaders in Alipora announced a three-day celebration marked by special prayers and recitation of the Quran. The emotional scenes unfolded near the local mosque, where residents gathered to pay tribute. Many were seen shedding tears as they recalled Khamenei’s relationship with the village.
The administration said that senior police officers and additional security personnel have been deployed in the village to maintain order during the mourning period.
