A large group of over 150 writers, filmmakers, and activists are publicly demanding the release of student activist Umar Khalid and others arrested during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). This group, which includes notable figures like Amitav Ghosh and Naseeruddin Shah, released a joint statement expressing serious concerns about how these individuals are being treated. The statement specifically calls out the use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), a very strict law, which makes it extremely difficult for those charged to get out of jail while they wait for their trial.
The group’s statement strongly criticizes the use of the UAPA, arguing that it’s being used unfairly to target people like Umar Khalid. They claim the government is using this law as a way to silence anyone who disagrees with their policies. Furthermore, the group suggests these arrests undermine the basic rights of free speech and the right to protest. This collective action by these well-known individuals shows how worried many people are about the government’s actions.
This call for the activists’ release comes at a time when many are debating how the government is handling disagreement and applying laws like the UAPA. The statement reads, “Umar and many others like him are in prison charged under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.” This quote emphasizes the strong feelings of the group about the severity of the situation. The ongoing situation brings up important questions about the balance between keeping the country safe and protecting people’s civil liberties.
The group’s actions may put more pressure on the government to reconsider how it handles the arrests of activists. By bringing attention to these cases, they are highlighting how some legal processes and laws could be used to suppress dissenting voices. The statement is not just a call for specific individuals’ release, but also raises awareness of the broader concerns of freedom of expression and the right to protest. This widespread support from these influential people shows a growing public concern.