Israel-Iran conflict leaves Karnataka village anxious over safety of loved ones stuck in war zone

Anxious Shia Muslim villagers in Alipur, Karnataka, fear for safety of loved ones stuck in Iran amid escalating tensions.

The people of Alipur, a village in Gauribidanur taluk of Chickballapur district in Karnataka, are an anxious lot. Located around 70 kilometres from Bengaluru, the village is home to nearly 25,000 residents, of whom an estimated 90% are Shia Muslims. The community is concerned about the safety of nearly 100 villagers who are stuck in Iran amidst the escalating tension with Israel.

These residents had travelled to Iran for various reasons, including pursuing Islamic theological studies, medical education, pilgrimage, and business activities. With the region becoming increasingly unstable, families in Alipur are gripped with fear and concern, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones.

Shafeeq Abidi, a well known Urdu poet and former journalist from Alipur, explained the village’s long-standing cultural and religious connection with Iran. “Our historical association with Iran dates back to the time of the Adil Shahi dynasty, which ruled the Bijapur Sultanate. As a predominantly Shia Muslim village, we share deep religious ties with Iran, which is a Shia-majority nation,” he told The Hindu. “Many of our youth travel there to pursue religious studies, and more recently, MBBS courses, as education in Iran is relatively more affordable.”

According to Mr. Abidi, nearly 50 Alipur residents are studying Islamic theology in Qom while about 15 students are enrolled in medical colleges in Tehran. In addition, 25 to 30 people from the village are in Iran either on religious pilgrimage or for business purposes in cities like Mashhad and Qom.

The villagers have been in constant touch with their loved ones in Iran, and many have sought assistance from the Indian embassy in Tehran.

Maulana Syed Mohammad Yousha, the imam of Masjid-e-Jafaria in Alipur, told The Hindu that the Indian embassy has responded swiftly. “The embassy has been in touch with stranded persons and has facilitated their relocation to safer areas. Many have been moved from Tehran to Qom with the help of local Iranian authorities. However, we are anxious about their safety,” he said.

Mir Ali, a resident of the village, expressed deep concern for his son Aman, who is studying in Iran. “I spoke to him yesterday. Thankfully, he’s safe for now, and the Indian Embassy is in touch with him,” he said, his voice filled with worry.