Iran conflict: Solidarity march in Bengaluru sees hundreds gather

Bengaluru: Hundreds of Shia Muslims gathered in Richmond Town Sunday for a condolence meeting and solidarity march over the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike.The march was organised by Anjuman E Imamia and Idara E Faizul Islam, Bengaluru. Protesters assembled in front of Masjid-e-Askari and Masjid-E-Imam Al Qayem in Anepalya, holding photographs of Khamenei and raising anti-Israel and anti-US slogans. Participants included elderly men and women, youngsters, and children.
The gathering later moved to the Shia cemetery in Richmond Town, where prayers were offered and tributes paid. MLA NA Haris of Shantinagar was present, along with Aga Sultan, chairman, Central Relief Committee, Karnataka.Shazia Hussain, one of the marchers, said: "Khamenei being martyred was not right… There's a lot of danger for Muslims — not just Shias, but all Muslims — because what Israel has done to Palestine is not right. Everybody who has gathered here has a sorrowful heart, we are in a lot of pain."Alizay Fatima described the mood as emotional and spiritual. "Today, our hearts are heavy. The news of the passing of Khamenei has shaken millions around the world. For many of us, he was not just a political leader; he was a symbol of resistance and a voice that spoke when others chose silence," she said. She added that many Shia Muslims followed him in religious matters and his guidance carried spiritual weight. She also criticised the US and Israel over the reported strikes on Iran and said those responsible should be held accountable.Nuzhath Hussain, another protester, said the loss was felt beyond national boundaries. "For over 30 years, he (Khamenei) was a teacher and a guide for millions of people. They might think that by killing a leader, they can stop what we believe in. But they are wrong. A person's message stays in our hearts forever. The truth will always win," she said.Bakhar Abbas Abid of the Ya Zehra Team, Bengaluru Shia Youth, said the event at the cemetery was primarily a condolence meeting. It was organised, he said, to condemn what speakers described as a "brutal" and "terrorist" attack on a sovereign country, and to assert that every nation's identity must be respected.— Syeda Tatheer Hussain