India Rejects US Concerns Over Umar Khalid's Detention
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New Delhi is facing a diplomatic challenge after a group of US lawmakers and New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani voiced concerns regarding the prolonged detention and trial of activist Umar Khalid. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned this external engagement, asserting that India will not tolerate interference in its internal affairs.
The controversy began when eight US lawmakers sent a letter to the Indian Ambassador, urging bail and a fair trial for Khalid, adhering to international legal standards. Mamdani separately addressed a note to Khalid, further amplifying the call for due process. Khalid has been detained for over three years in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots.
The BJP responded swiftly, questioning the authority of foreign entities to scrutinize India’s judicial process. Party officials emphasized that the case is currently under legal review and that India’s legal system is independent and capable of delivering justice. Sources indicate the government views the interventions as an attempt to undermine India’s sovereignty. Khalid’s father has confirmed a meeting with Mamdani in the United States, adding another layer to the unfolding situation. The incident has sparked a debate about the boundaries of international advocacy and the principle of non-interference in domestic legal proceedings.
