Five Years in Tihar: What Umar Khalid’s Parents Told Actor Prakash Raj—Friends’ Weekly Visits Keep Hope Alive

New Delhi- Actor Prakash Raj recently visited the parents of Umar Khalid, who has been incarcerated in Tihar Jail for nearly five years, at their home in Delhi. The visit took place during a trip to the capital for a film shoot, which left his days free. The emotional meeting with Umar’s parents was both heart-wrenching and inspiring, shedding light on their unwavering hope and resilience.

Umar Khalid is a former student leader and activist known for his vocal advocacy for social justice and constitutional values in India. He was pursuing a PhD at Jawaharlal Nehru University when he became a prominent figure in protests against policies perceived as discriminatory, particularly the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) of 2019. In February 2020, during widespread protests against the CAA in Delhi, violence erupted, leaving 53 people dead, mostly Muslims. Umar was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on charges of allegedly instigating the violence.

Prakash Raj, moved by the strength of Umar’s parents, expressed solidarity during the visit. “Your son is not alone. We are all with him,” he said. During this meeting, Umar’s friends were also present, who regularly visit him in jail to keep his spirits high.

When Prakash Raj asked how they manage to find time from their busy schedules, they shared the story of another individual, Amir, who was imprisoned. In the first three months of Amir’s incarceration, his family and friends visited him regularly, but poverty and financial struggles eventually halted these visits. The pain of isolation and separation from loved ones broke Amir’s spirit. Inspired by this incident, Umar Khalid’s friends resolved to visit him in jail every week. Prakash Raj praised the solidarity and dedication of these young individuals toward their friend.

Umar’s mother warmly welcomed Prakash Raj and his companions. Having celebrated Eid just days earlier, she served sweets with a smile, though the pain of her son’s absence was evident in her eyes. With quiet conviction, she said, “My son will be free soon. We have full faith in the judiciary.” Her words, meant to comfort her guests, brought tears to Prakash Raj’s eyes.

Umar’s father, who had just returned from a discussion on the Wakf (Amendment) Bill, prepared tea for the visitors and joined the conversation. “We know the cause Umar fought for and why he is in prison. We stand with him,” he said, his resolve unshaken. When one of Umar’s friends suggested that, upon securing bail, Umar could accompany Prakash Raj to South India for safety, his father responded firmly, “The cause he fights for is here in Delhi. Why go elsewhere and stay silent?”

Prakash Raj described the meeting as deeply moving, calling Umar’s parents true patriots. He emphasized that Umar’s struggle is not just personal but represents the fight for every citizen’s right to freedom of expression and dignity, as guaranteed by the Constitution.

Umar Khalid was arrested in 2020 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for allegedly instigating violence during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).

Despite no conclusive evidence presented against him, he has been held in Tihar Jail for nearly five years, with his bail pleas rejected by lower courts and a pending application in the Supreme Court since 2023. His case has drawn widespread attention as a symbol of the struggle for freedom of expression and the misuse of stringent laws to silence dissent.

The visit highlighted not only the enduring faith of Umar Khalid’s family but also the solidarity of his friends, who remain steadfast in their support. Prakash Raj, through this meeting, reiterated the importance of Umar’s fight for constitutional values and national unity.

( This report is based on Prakash Raj's article The unfinished fight of an 'anti-national' published in the editorial of The Hindu)