ABVP seeks cancellation of Umar Khalid documentary screening at NLSIU
The ABVP and a legal advocate have formally requested that the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) cancel a scheduled screening of a documentary about activist Umar Khalid. The opposition argues that the event promotes political propaganda and undermines national integrity, while the university has yet to respond to the demands.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between academic freedom and political activism within Indian higher education institutions, reflecting broader debates over the role of universities in sensitive national discourse.
The ABVP on Sunday (September 13, 2026) opposed the proposed screening of a documentary on activist Umar Khalid, at the NLSIU in Bengaluru.
In a statement, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad Bengaluru said it had submitted a complaint to the NLSIU administration seeking cancellation of the proposed September 14 screening, but claimed it had not received a response.
"ABVP Bengaluru strongly condemns the proposed campus screening of Lalit Vachani's documentary on Umar Khalid, 'Prisoner No. 626710 is Present', at the National Law School of India University (NLSIU)," the organisation said.
ABVP, the student organisation affiliated with the RSS, alleged that Mr. Khalid's name had been associated with controversies over slogans during the 2016 JNU protests, Afzal Guru commemorations, the CAA-NRC protests and the Delhi riots. It said educational campuses should focus on learning and national integrity rather than political propaganda.
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