Politics

The walk in the shadows of Umar Khalid and others

Before the protests from Jantar Mantar found their voice, others walked through loneliness, prison cells, vilification, and unimaginable loss to keep the idea of democracy alive. This is a tribute to Umar Khalid and countless others whose courage came at an immense personal cost. Their journey reminds us that every generation's hope is built upon the sacrifices of those who walked before them.

Banojyotsna Lahiri
10 min read
The walk in the shadows of Umar Khalid and others

I saw a poster at the CJP protest that instantly warmed my heart. It read, 'Umar Khalid walked, so Gen Z could run.' In that single sentence lay the memory of an entire decade. It took me back to the years when Umar Khalid, along with many others, began an arduous uphill journey, one marked by courage, sacrifice, and relentless hope.

For the past six years, Umar has been walking the corridors and dungeons of Tihar Central Prison, imprisoned without trial, denied bail, and still awaiting the oppo...

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Written by
Banojyotsna Lahiri
Banojyotsna Lahiri
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