New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a personal note to jailed activist Umar Khalid, reflecting on his thoughts about “bitterness” and the need to not let it take over one’s life. The handwritten note was shared on social media platform X by Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri.
“When prisons try to isolate, words travel. Zohran Mamdani writes to Umar Khalid,” Lahiri wrote while posting an image of the note.
Addressing Khalid, Mamdani wrote, “Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one’s self. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you.” The note was signed by the New York City mayor.
Umar Khalid is among several individuals booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, and provisions of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly being among the “masterminds” of the February 2020 Delhi riots, in which 53 people were killed and over 700 were injured.
Meanwhile, a group of US lawmakers has written to India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, urging that Khalid be granted bail and a “fair and timely trial” in line with international legal standards. The letter was signed by eight lawmakers, including US Representatives Jim McGovern and Jamie Raskin.
Raising concern over the “prolonged pre-trial detention” of those charged in connection with the Delhi violence, including Khalid, the lawmakers said India and the United States share a strategic partnership rooted in democratic values, constitutional governance and strong people-to-people ties. As the world’s largest democracies, they said, both countries have a shared responsibility to uphold the rule of law, human rights, freedom and pluralism.
“It is in this spirit” that the lawmakers said they were raising concerns over Khalid’s continued detention, noting that human rights organisations, legal experts and international media have questioned the fairness of the investigation and legal process. They pointed out that Khalid has spent five years in jail without bail under UAPA, which, according to independent human rights experts, may not meet international standards of due process, proportionality and equality before the law.
The lawmakers acknowledged that the matter is currently before the Supreme Court of India and welcomed the temporary bail granted to Khalid to attend his sister’s wedding. They urged that he be released on bail for the duration of the ongoing judicial proceedings.
“With respect for India’s democratic institutions and its role as a key partner of the United States, we request that your Government outline the steps being taken to ensure that the judicial process against Khalid and his co-accused who remain in custody conforms to international standards,” the letter said.