Jailed activist Umar Khalid challenges India’s draconian law
New Delhi: Umar Khalid, a former student activist jailed without trial since September 2020, is testing the limits of India’s draconian law, the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
According to Kashmir Media Service, Umar Khalid imprisoned on the fake charge of inciting riots during 2020 protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) remains in custody without bail, awaiting a hearing on Monday that supporters hope will determine his fate.
The 37-year-old former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader has consistently maintained his innocence, stating his involvement in the anti-CAA movement was peaceful. The 2020 Delhi riots left over 50 dead, mostly Muslims, amidst clashes over the law, which discriminates against the community.
Khalid faces multiple UAPA charges, which permit prolonged detention without trial, drawing widespread criticism for stifling dissent. Rights advocates argue his case underscores the law’s misuse to silence voices critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
The CAA protests marked a turning point in India’s political discourse, and Khalid’s detention has become a symbol of alleged systemic bias and repression of dissent in the country.
