Think of your words...: NY Mayor Zohran Mamdani writes to jailed student Umar Khalid
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a letter to jailed student activist Umar Khalid, reflecting on his words about bitterness and expressing solidarity amid Khalid's prolonged incarceration in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots. The letter, shared on social media, has drawn renewed attention to Khalid's continued pre-trial detention.
New Delhi: New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani wrote a letter to student activist Umar Khalid, who has been under trial for the past five years in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots. In the letter, the newly elected Indian-origin mayor mentioned that they are all "thinking about him”.
The heart-wrenching letter was shared by Khalid’s partner, Banjyostna Lahiri, in a post on X. The letter was undated and was shared after Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony on Thursday. Mamdani’s letter read: "Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness and the importance of not letting it consume oneself. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you.”
The notable meeting of Mamdani and the Khalid family
Khalid’s father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, met Mamdani and his wife in December last year. The former JNU scholar’s family had travelled to the US to meet their daughter. In his statement, Ilyas said that he had requested a brief moment to congratulate Mamdani on his recent achievement, but the short interaction turned into a half-hour meeting.
According to Ilyas, several issues were discussed during the meeting. Mamdani took time out of his busy schedule to speak with the family and also discussed Khalid’s trial. "We hope that he will fulfil the promises he made to the people of New York,” Khalid’s father added.
Ilyas said Mamdani closely follows Umar Khalid’s case and also reads the letters he writes from jail. According to Banjyostna, Khalid’s continued incarceration without a trial is unjust, which is why the case has been drawing international attention.
Ilyas’ meeting with US Congress Democrats
Ilyas also spoke about his meeting with US Congress Democrat Jamie Raskin. Recounting his ordeal, the father of the 38-year-old student activist said Raskin raised concerns over Umar Khalid’s prolonged trial and extended his support. Ilyas informed Raskin that the case is now before the apex court and that the family is hopeful of a favourable outcome. Raskin later shared a photograph with Ilyas and his wife.
Raskin, along with three other Democrats, wrote to the Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, on December 30, expressing concern over Khalid’s pre-trial detention. The letter noted that Khalid has been denied bail for five years under the UAPA Act, stating that "the pre-trial treatment he has been subjected to is punitive in and of itself.”