Graffiti bearing the slogans “Free Umar Khalid” and “Long Live Naxalbari” emerged on the walls of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi on Saturday, igniting renewed tensions within the campus. The discovery came one day after similar controversial messages—“Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam”—were found written at Jamia Millia Islamia.
Officials from JNU confirmed that they have taken notice of the messages and are investigating the circumstances surrounding their appearance. The administration emphasized its commitment to preserving peace on campus and vowed not to allow any group to undermine academic or civic harmony.
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## Campus Reactions: Protests and Allegations
The graffiti sparked sharp criticism from ABVP (Bharatiya Janata Party’s student wing) at JNU. They accused left-leaning student organizations of deploying these slogans deliberately to disrupt campus decorum. The ABVP called out the All India Students’ Association (AISA), alleging its members were involved in writing objectionable slogans alongside a portrait of VD Savarkar.
Mayank Panchal, president of ABVP’s JNU unit, stated that freedom of expression should not justify insulting national figures or defacing university property. Praveen Piyush, ABVP’s JNU secretary, reinforced this sentiment, cautioning against ideological domination and stressing that the university must stay above partisan fringes.
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## Who Is Umar Khalid and What Is “Long Live Naxalbari”?
Umar Khalid, formerly a research scholar at JNU, has been detained since September 2020. He faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged involvement in a conspiracy connected to the Delhi riots of February 2020, which reportedly resulted in 53 fatalities. Student groups and civil rights groups have repeatedly protested extended periods of detention without resolution.
“Long Live Naxalbari” refers to the Naxalbari uprising of 1967 in West Bengal—a peasant revolt that later inspired the broader Naxalite-Maoist movement. Its invocation in slogans often alludes to left-wing radical politics. No individual or group has officially claimed responsibility for the graffiti at JNU.
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## The Jamia Context: Connecting the Dots
Just a day prior, Jamia Millia Islamia’s walls were found bearing slogans like “Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam.” Imam, also a former scholar, was arrested amid protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in 2020. He faces criminal charges including sedition in connection with incendiary speeches. These commemorative messages were discovered during students’ calls to restore their students’ union, which had been inactive since 2006.
Political debates followed immediately after the Jamia incident. The administration condemned the slogans, citing them as threats to the country’s unity and sovereignty. BJP critics pointed out the presence of Congress MP Imran Masood at the student protest, fuelling further controversy.
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## Administration’s Response: Probe Underway
JNU authorities confirmed that they are investigating the graffiti incident. An official remarked that they will identify those responsible and take appropriate action. Sources within the university argued that such acts will not be tolerated.
Both ABVP and other student groups underscored the stakes: while some see the need to protect free speech, others argue it should never be used to harm national symbols or create divisions. The debate over campus politics, expression, and ideological boundaries thus intensifies.
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## Why It Matters: Symbols, Sovereignty, and Student Politics
– **Symbolism of slogans:** Phrases like “Free Umar Khalid,” “Free Kashmir,” and “Long Live Naxalbari” evoke past controversies, political dissent, and radical ideologies. They resonate beyond mere words, stirring debate over the limits of permissible speech on campuses.
– **Freedom vs national integrity:** While students and researchers often emphasize their constitutional rights, critics emphasize that certain forms of expression can be viewed as undermining national sovereignty or promoting separatist narratives.
– **The role of universities:** As centers of learning and dialogue, universities find themselves at the crossroads of academic rigor and political activism. Incidents like these test the boundaries between protest and disruption.
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The recent graffiti episodes at JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia underscore growing tensions on Indian campuses. Whether these slogans represent isolated acts or coordinated campaigns remains to be seen. As investigations continue, the spotlight turns to how educational bodies and government authorities interpret and respond to the evolving dynamics between dissent, decorum, and democracy.
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