BENGALURU: Amid raging Iran-Israel hostilities, fear and anxiety have gripped the tiny hamlet of Alipur — located 70 km from Bengaluru — with 105 villagers from there currently stranded in Iran.
Alipur in Gauribidanur taluk of Chikkaballapur district is one of the few Muslim-majority villages in the state — constituting 90% of the population, with Shias make up 99% of the community.
Linked by spiritual, religious, socio-cultural, and educational bonds, Alipur has fostered a close relationship with Iran for decades, and several services had been initiated in the village in collaboration with the Iranian govt.
Iran's current supreme leader Ali Khamenei's visit to Alipur in 1981-82 to inaugurate a hospital built in collaboration with the Iran govt marks the high point in the village's ties with the West Asian country.
According to the villagers, while a few of the youngsters from Alipur are studying medicine at Tehran University, the majority are enrolled at the prestigious Shia seminaries and Islamic research institutes to become Islamic clerics.
Besides, some have also gone on an annual pilgrimage to the holy city Mashhad — the second most populous city in Iran.
"The families back home were anxious, as panic gripped the village ever since tensions rose between Iran and Israel. There are about 105 citizens from Alipur who are currently stranded at various locations across Iran," said Shafeeq Abidi, a resident.
"Currently, around 15 students are pursuing medicine (MBBS) in Tehran. Around 30 citizens have gone on a pilgrimage, and more than 50 youngsters are undergoing religious training. A few others have also gone on business trips, as the village is also a hub for gems and jewellery trade," he added.
Officials from the state revenue department and Chikkaballapur police visited Alipur two days ago to collect details of the citizens who are currently in Iran. This was in keeping with the directive of the Ministry of External Affairs to bring them back home as part of Operation Sindhu, launched by the Union govt.
"Until a few days ago, the families of those stranded in Iran were terrified. However, over the past two days, the families were unable to contact their loved ones. Thankfully, all of them have been moved to safe locations and are in touch with Indian embassy officials. The govt of Iran is also cooperating by providing shelter, food, and transit options," Abidi explained.
"The state govt has been coordinating with the MEA for the safe return of our villagers. They will be airlifted from Iran and are expected to reach Karnataka by Sunday or Monday," Abidi added.
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