NEW DELHI: Indian Muslim PhD scholar and activist Umar Khalid has spent nearly six years in jail without trial, drawing renewed criticism from rights groups over India’s treatment of political dissenters.
Khalid, 38, rose to national prominence as a student activist at Jawaharlal Nehru University and later became a key voice in protests against India’s controversial citizenship law in 2019.
He was arrested in September 2020 under terrorism laws and accused of being a key conspirator in the 2020 Delhi riots. Khalid has denied the allegations and described the charges against him as “dystopian”.
Trial still not started
According to reports, Khalid remains in Tihar prison while the police investigation continues, with no clear trial date in sight.
Several others named in the same case have been granted bail, but Khalid’s applications have repeatedly been rejected, delayed or adjourned.
International human rights groups have condemned his prolonged detention without trial as unjust.
Symbol of crackdown
Rights activists say Khalid’s case reflects a wider crackdown on dissent under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, particularly against Muslims, student leaders and human rights defenders.
Speaking through family and friends, Khalid said years of imprisonment had taken a deep toll on his mind and body.
“Humanity is a privilege,” he said, describing how propaganda had dehumanised him in public life.
