look news india
The case of JNU alumnus and activist Umar Khalid, who is lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail for more than 5 years, has now reached the international level. 8 Democratic lawmakers of America have together demanded the release of Omar Khalid from the Indian government.
These MPs have written a letter to the Indian Ambassador in Washington, in which they have made two big demands:
- Umar Khalid should be granted bail immediately.
- His hearing should be started in a fair and impartial manner without any further delay.
This matter became more heated when Umar Khalid’s parents went to America in December and met some leaders.
Who is Umar Khalid and why is he in jail?
Umar Khalid is an alumnus of JNU. He was arrested under the UAPA (a very strict anti-terrorism law) for allegedly hatching a “larger conspiracy” behind the 2020 Delhi riots. Since then, that is, for more than 5 years, he has been in jail without any trial.
What did the American lawmakers say in their letter?
The MPs, while respecting India’s democracy, have raised some very direct and tough questions:
- “Detaining a person in prison without trial for more than five years is against international legal standards.”
- He has also asked why judicial proceedings have not started even after 5 years of arrest?
- He has asked the Government of India to ensure that Umar Khalid gets full opportunity of a fair and timely trial.
The names of leaders considered anti-India like Pramila Jaipal and Rashida Tlaib are also included in the signatories of this letter.
Are Indian courts giving relief?
It is also true that Indian courts have given some relief to Omar Khalid on certain occasions. Recently, on December 11, a Delhi court granted him interim bail from December 16 to 29 to attend his sister’s wedding.
However, during this time many conditions were imposed on him, such as – he cannot use social media and cannot contact any witness.
Now it remains to be seen what reaction comes from the Indian government after this letter from American MPs.
