Imam Shahkar Hussain, who supervises the Iranian camp, says the message was against oppression, not about politics or the promotion of any foreign ideology
NEW DELHI/BHOPAL – A quiet observance of Muharram in Bhopal has unexpectedly turned into a national talking point after large posters featuring top Iranian leaders were removed from the city railway station by local authorities. The posters were placed at the well-known Iranian camp near Platform Number 6 of Bhopal’s main railway station. Their removal has sparked emotional and ideological reactions, especially from members of the Shia community who say the banners were never meant to promote foreign politics but to deliver a strong and simple message: stand against injustice.
The controversy started when local administration officers arrived at the Iranian camp on Sunday (29 June) and took down posters that displayed photos of religious and military figures such as Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, General Qasem Soleimani, and General Mohammad Bagheri. These names are well-known not only in Iran but across many parts of the Muslim World, especially among Shias, as symbols of resistance against Western and Israeli aggression.
Imam Shahkar Hussain, who supervises the Iranian camp and hails from Fatehpur, responded firmly but respectfully to the action. Speaking in Bhopal, he said: “Every year during Muharram, we put up a few posters to remind people of the message of Karbala. This year, there were more posters than usual, I agree, but they were not against India or in favour of any government. They were to remind the world that silence against cruelty is dangerous.”
He continued, “These leaders, like General Soleimani, fought against injustice. We believe in the message of Imam Hussain – to stand up even when you’re alone. It’s about justice, not about nationality. These posters were never meant to create conflict.”
The imam explained that recent events in the Middle East inspired the posters. Iran and Israel were involved in a serious 12-day exchange of attacks earlier this year. According to Shahkar Hussain, many people saw this war as an example of how one side stood up to long-standing oppression.
“It was not just Iran’s victory,” he said. “It was a moment for all those who want justice. Iran gave a reply to an aggressor. What is wrong in reminding people of that?”
The imam also said that one of the banners carried a photo of Mahatma Gandhi, India’s Father of the Nation, and described Muharram as a lesson in standing up for rights.
“Even Gandhi respected Imam Hussain. Our message was not political. It was moral. If Gandhi can take lessons from Karbala, why can’t we show these posters?” he asked.
One of the key issues raised on social media and by some officials was that the posters were displayed along with the Indian tricolour. Some said it was inappropriate to show Indian national symbols alongside foreign figures. But the imam was quick to clarify.
“We are Indians, and we love this country,” he said. “The tricolour is a part of our faith and identity. We are not promoting Iran. We are only promoting the message of standing up to injustice. The tricolour in our banners shows we are proud to be Indian.”
One of the volunteers at the camp, Mohammad Ali, added, “Some people are trying to twist things. Just because there are Iranian leaders in the posters doesn’t mean we are less Indian. India is our motherland. We will live and die here.”
In another development, the Iranian Cultural House reportedly issued a letter thanking Indian Muslims for standing in support of Iran during recent global tensions. The letter was shared among the organisers at the Iranian camp.
Shahkar Hussain also expressed disappointment with the behaviour of some Western countries, especially during the recent conflict. “European countries acted shamefully. Their silence showed their bias. They talk about human rights but support those who violate them,” he said.
Even though the posters were taken down, the message has continued to spread, especially on WhatsApp groups, through leaflets, and in discussions at religious gatherings. Many from the Shia community feel the action by the administration was unnecessary.
Mehdi Zaidi, a local businessman from Bhopal who regularly visits the Iranian camp during Muharram, said: “This is not the first time we have seen these posters. The imam always talks about Karbala, justice and peace. These leaders symbolise resistance, not rebellion. The government should understand our emotions.”
Another resident, Rubina Jafri, a school teacher, said, “We are a peace-loving community. Karbala is about sacrifice and standing with truth. If someone wants to shut down that message, they are siding with injustice.”
For those unfamiliar, Muharram is one of the most important months for Muslims, especially for Shias. It marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the battle of Karbala in Iraq while fighting against a tyrannical ruler, Yazid.
The Iranian camp in Bhopal is more than 70 years old and has been a central part of Muharram observances. It has served as a place where people gather, hold speeches, recite poetry about Karbala, and take out the traditional Tazia procession.
This year, the camp had additional visitors due to the emotional mood following the Iran-Israel war. Devotees felt a deeper connection to the messages of resistance, patience, and standing for rights.
While no official statement has come from major Hindutva organisations, some workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Madhya Pradesh reportedly informed local police and demanded the removal of the posters. According to sources, they said that such posters could create confusion or promote foreign ideology on Indian soil.
A senior police officer in Bhopal, who asked not to be named, said: “We received complaints and acted swiftly to avoid any communal tension. The posters were taken down peacefully. No arrests have been made. We are in touch with community leaders.”
However, many members of the Muslim community feel that this action shows double standards.
Naseer Khan, a political science student at Barkatullah University, said: “When others put up posters of foreign leaders or religious saints, no one says anything. Why is this bias only when Muslims do something? Is our loyalty being questioned again?”
It seems that what was meant to be a message of peace, courage, and moral resistance has turned into a matter of controversy. The imam’s appeal was simple: to think deeply about the lessons of Karbala and not stay silent in front of injustice.
“This is not about Iran or India,” Shahkar Hussain said. “This is about good versus evil. We are trying to remind people of what Hussain stood for. And that message is universal.”
At a time when the country should stand united to reflect on shared human values, a peaceful religious display has been misunderstood. Indian Muslims, especially the Shia community in Bhopal, are hurt but calm. They believe in their rights as citizens and in the values of justice, equality and freedom of expression – values that are not foreign but deeply Indian.
The removal of posters has not broken their spirit.
“Karbala teaches us to stay firm,” the imam said. “If our message has reached the hearts of people, that is enough.”
