Prominent personalities joined in castigating the Modi Govt for arresting an “innocent” activist. Human rights defenders believed he was imprisoned for protesting against the CAA
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – As Umar Khalid completed five hundred days in jail, voices for his release grew stronger. The social media was abuzz with the uproar against the unjust detention of the former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student union leader and social activist. From journalists to social activists to student leaders, all lent their voices for the demand of his immediate release.
Umar Khalid is languishing in jail since his arrest in 2020 in connection with a case related to Delhi’s anti-Muslim communal violence.
On Thursday, a social media campaign was launched to raise voice for Umar Khalid. Several prominent personalities joined in castigating the Narendra Modi Government for arresting an “innocent” activist. Human rights defenders believed he was imprisoned for merely protesting against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Commenting on the 500 days of his incarceration, prominent journalist, Arefa Khanum Sherwani, said, “Umar Khalid is a wise, brave man with a massive connection with the masses. He was the brightest star in a dark, grim sky. Precisely the reason they feared him and jailed him. Umar, India hasn’t forgotten you”.
Renowned activist Kavita Krishnan shared a poem to pay tribute to Khalid.
#UmarKhalid500DaysOfArrest
A lovely tribute by @AkhilKatyal
Indeed, you belong here @UmarKhalidJNU pic.twitter.com/VgycNV9hkK— Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) January 27, 2022
An environment activist and student leader said, “500 Days of wrongful incarceration of Umar Khalid. This regime’s attack on Muslims and students will never be forgotten.”
Human rights lawyer Kawalpreet Kaur described his imprisonment as “unjust incarceration” and raised questions on the role of the judiciary in jailing activists.
“Umar Khalid completes 500 days of his unjust incarceration. A big question on how our judicial system operates, false cases are filed on activists fighting for peace, justice and equal citizenship and they remain in jail under draconian terror charges,” she said.
