Graffiti reading “Free Umar Khalid” and “Long Live Naxalbari” appeared on the walls of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi on Saturday, triggering a fresh controversy. The incident came a day after slogans supporting Kashmir and jailed activist Sharjeel Imam were spotted at Jamia Millia Islamia.
The JNU administration has taken note of the matter and is investigating the incident. An official said the university would not allow anyone to disturb peace on campus.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) criticised the graffiti, accusing Left-wing student groups of disrupting the academic environment. The student organisation demanded that those responsible be identified and action be taken.
Umar Khalid, a former JNU research scholar, has been in jail since September 2020 in connection with the larger conspiracy case linked to the Delhi riots. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) charges him.
The incident has intensified debate over political expression and campus discipline.