New York Mayor Sends Supportive Note to Jailed Activist Umar Khalid

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has reached out to imprisoned activist Umar Khalid with a handwritten note, expressing solidarity and reflecting on Khalid's thoughts about bitterness. This gesture comes as Khalid's parents visit the US, where they met with Mamdani. Khalid, who has been in custody since 2020, faces serious charges related to the Delhi riots. The note has garnered attention on social media, highlighting ongoing concerns about Khalid's treatment and the broader implications of his case. Read more to discover the details of this significant communication and its context.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 12:13 IST

Support from New York's Mayor

Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor of New York, has reached out to imprisoned activist Umar Khalid through a handwritten letter, as confirmed by Khalid's partner, Bunojyotsana Lahiri, on Thursday.

This letter was delivered to Khalid's parents during their trip to the United States in December.

Mamdani expressed that he frequently reflects on Khalid's insights regarding bitterness and emphasized the significance of not allowing it to take over one's life.

In the note shared by Lahiri on social media, Mamdani mentioned how delightful it was to meet Khalid's parents, stating, 'We are all thinking of you.'

Earlier in 2023, Mamdani had publicly read excerpts from a letter by Khalid during an event in New York, where the activist shared his thoughts on maintaining a positive outlook despite his situation.

Lahiri posted Mamdani's note on social media coinciding with his inauguration as mayor.

She noted that Khalid's parents, Sahiba Khanam and Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, were visiting the US to see one of their daughters ahead of a family wedding.

During their visit, they met with Mamdani and spent considerable time with him, which led to the writing of this note.

Khalid has been in custody since his arrest by the Delhi Police in September 2020.

He faces charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act related to the violent clashes in February 2020, which erupted between supporters and opponents of the Citizenship Amendment Act in North East Delhi, resulting in 53 fatalities and numerous injuries, predominantly among Muslims.

The authorities allege that the violence was part of a broader conspiracy aimed at discrediting the Narendra Modi administration, orchestrated by those who protested against the amended Citizenship Act.

Khalid was granted temporary bail from December 16 to December 29 to attend his sister's wedding.

In a separate development, US Congressman James P. McGovern has addressed a letter to the Indian Ambassador, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, expressing concerns regarding the prolonged pre-trial detention of individuals charged in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots.

McGovern highlighted that human rights organizations and legal experts have raised doubts about the investigation and legal proceedings, noting that independent inquiries found no evidence linking Khalid to any terrorist activities.

Watch: ‘Detention without trial violation of rights’: Banojyotsna Lahiri on CAA, godi media and Umar Khalid