Acquitted after 10 years in jail, JNU student reflects on lost time
New Delhi: Hem Mishra, a former student of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), has been acquitted of charges linking him to Naxal activities after spending over a decade in prison, highlighting concerns about the pace of justice in India.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mishra, along with others, was convicted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and sentenced to life imprisonment. However, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court recently overturned the conviction, allowing Mishra to return home.
Despite his release, Mishra expressed the difficulty of moving forward, stating, “I can’t get those 10 years back.” He highlighted the importance of speaking out against injustice, even in the face of risks, emphasizing that silence allows for the erosion of fundamental rights.
Mishra, who was pursuing a Chinese language course at JNU before his arrest, now intends to continue his studies. He is currently evaluating his academic options and considering how to rebuild his life after the ordeal. His case has sparked discussions about the potential misuse of the UAPA and its impact on individuals who advocate for social justice.
