Umar Khalid Reflects on Years in Jail and the Impact on His Humanity

Student activist Umar Khalid has expressed that years of imprisonment have stripped him of his humanity and, at times, his mental stability. He has accused the NDA government, led by Narendra Modi, of fostering a society where hatred and misinformation have become commonplace. In his first interview since being jailed on charges related to the 2020 Delhi riots, Khalid discussed the psychological effects of spending nearly six years in Tihar Jail without a trial. Through family members and friends, he shared with a media outlet that fellow inmates often referred to him as a terrorist behind his back. This propaganda has led to a loss of his humanity in the eyes of others.

Khalid remarked that humanity is something that individuals like him often lack. Reflecting on his years in prison, the 38-year-old noted that the public image created around him has frequently overshadowed his identity as a person. He stated that when one's identity is confined to a singular image, whether negative or positive, it becomes challenging to maintain not only one's humanity but also mental balance. Those who empathize with him or elevate his reality often forget that he is human, with vulnerabilities, fears, and flaws. The long years spent in jail have severely impacted his mind and body, exacerbating his internal struggles.

Khalid was arrested in September 2020 under anti-terror laws, accused of being a key conspirator in the Delhi riots and plotting to violently change the government. He has consistently denied these allegations. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintains that India's judicial process is independent and that the ongoing trials are not politically motivated.

Despite his incarceration, Khalid told the media outlet that his views on the country's political climate have not changed. He expressed concern over the normalization of hate speech and language that incites violence, describing it as a troubling trend that glorifies such rhetoric.