NLSIU postpones documentary screening on Umar Khalid, citing ‘security concerns’; ABVP pushes for cancellation

A student group of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Law and Society Committee (LawSoc), has postponed the screening of the Umar Khali documentary after citing logistical and security concerns. However, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) Bengaluru has insisted that it will keep pushing for the cancellation of the event even after its ‘momentary deferral.’

NLSIU had scheduled a screening of Lalit Vachani's documentary on Umar Khalid – Prisoner No. 626710 is Present – for today, September 14, to mark Political Prisoners' Day and the sixth anniversary of Khalid's arrest.

According to media reports, the postponement of the programme was ‘unrelated’ to ABVP’s campaign and was deferred due to Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, putting pressure on security arrangements.

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ABVP seeks cancellation, expresses ‘deep outrage’

ABVP Bengaluru said in a statement that following ‘resolute pressure’ from the group led to the postponement of the event, but it will maintain its stance on the cancellation of the event. ABPV condemned the screening of Khalid’s documentary, calling it ‘deep outrage’ for educational premises to be used for screening.

Khalid is a former research scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and a student leader who has been in Tihar jail since September 2020 under anti-terror laws over allegations of his involvement in anti-national slogans at JNU, CAA-NRC protests, and Delhi riots.

ABVP further emphasized that educational institutes must ‘remain dedicated to national integrity’ rather than serving as a platform for ‘political propaganda or glorifying civil unrest.’ In its letter, ABVP also appealed to the NLSIU’s vice chancellor Sudhir Krishnaswamy to ensure that such are not encouraged to preserve ‘campus integrity’.

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NLSIU: Students’ group clarification

According to LiveLaw reports, the students’ group LawSoc clarified that the event was cancelled for security reasons, not because of ‘pressure from anyone.’

The group further confirmed that it was making necessary arrangements to ensure the screening is held in a ‘safe and responsible’ way. They have also encouraged students interested in constitutional rights, criminal law, and civil liberties to join the rescheduled event.