Why Umar Khalid is still in jail, Bahraich wolf attack, and J&K polls begin
Sep 19, 2024
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Umar Khalid, a political activist jailed for four years under UAPA, shares the complexities of his case and the troubling implications for civil rights in India. Journalist Jay Mazoomdar delves into a surge of wolf attacks in Bahraich, providing historical context and expert recommendations for better management of human-wolf conflicts. Finally, reporter Naveed Iqbal discusses the significance of the J&K assembly elections, highlighting the peaceful process and its impact on regional political representation following the abrogation of Article 370.
Umar Khalid's prolonged detention under UAPA highlights critical issues regarding anti-terror legislation and the presumption of innocence in India.
The recent J&K assembly elections symbolize a pivotal moment in restoring political representation after a decade of bureaucratic governance and unrest.
Deep dives
Umar Khaled's UAPA Case and Its Implications
Umar Khaled's case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) exemplifies the complexities surrounding anti-terror legislation in India. He has been in custody for four years without trial, facing accusations tied to alleged conspiracies related to the North East Delhi riots of 2020, stemming from protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill. The prosecution's assertion that Khaled incited violence hinges on circumstantial evidence provided by protected witnesses, whose anonymity complicates scrutiny of their testimonies. Crucially, the interpretation of the UAPA's provisions raises questions about the definitions of terrorist acts, where strategies such as planning a 'chakka jam' (roadblock) are deemed potential threats to national security despite lacking tangible evidence of arms or weapon possession.
Judicial Challenges in UAPA Cases
The UAPA poses significant hurdles for defendants, as highlighted by Khaled's legal struggle to obtain bail. The framework of the law makes it exceedingly difficult for accused individuals to demonstrate their innocence prior to a trial, which is problematic in a legal system that traditionally presumes innocence. Khaled's lawyers have pointed out inconsistencies in witness statements, some of which were recorded months after the alleged events, while the prosecution leans on a sweeping interpretation of what constitutes a terrorist act. A 2019 Supreme Court ruling further complicates these cases by limiting judicial review of the state's evidence, essentially putting additional burdens on the defense and restricting courts from weighing substantive issues during bail hearings.
Wolf Attacks in Uttar Pradesh: A Historical Context
Recent wolf attacks in Uttar Pradesh have reignited discussions on historical human-wildlife conflicts, particularly concerning the sporadic nature of these incidents. Since July, there have been multiple attacks leading to fatalities, predominantly affecting children, which signifies an alarming trend in the region. Historically, such wolf attacks were more common in northern states, often linked to increased human encroachment on natural habitats, exacerbating competition for resources between humans and wildlife. Experts suggest that these conflicts highlight a need for better land management and conservation strategies to maintain ecological balance and minimize encounters between villagers and wildlife.
Significance of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections
The recent assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir hold significant political implications, marking the first such elections in a decade following the abrogation of Article 370. With a voter turnout of around 59% during the initial phase, these elections represent an effort to re-establish political representation after years of bureaucratic governance, which many residents felt distanced them from accountability. The political landscape features key contests primarily between the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party in Kashmir, while Jammu sees a rivalry between the BJP and Congress. These elections are particularly critical as they address the existing political vacuum and restore a semblance of democratic process in the region after a prolonged period of uncertainty and unrest.
First, Indian Express' Apurva Vishwanath explains why Umar Khalid remains in jail four years after his arrest under the stringent UAPA.
Next, following the recent wolf attacks in UP’s Bahraich district, Indian Express' Jay Mazoomdar discusses the history of such attacks in India and what experts recommend to manage these conflicts (16:56).
And finally, we provide an update on the J&K assembly elections that began yesterday, with Indian Express' Naveed Iqbal sharing the significance of these polls (27:52).
Hosted, written and produced by Shashank Bhargava Edited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
