New York: Zohran Mamdani, the newly sworn mayor of New York City, has written a personal letter to jailed student activist Umar Khalid, expressing remembrance and solidarity. Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, shared the undated letter publicly after Mamdani took office as the city’s first Muslim and Asian-origin mayor.
In the letter, Mamdani recalled Khalid’s reflections on bitterness and the need to resist its hold. He wrote about meeting Khalid’s parents and said many people continue to think of him. The message surfaced at a time when Khalid has spent close to five years in custody in connection with the February 2020 Delhi riots.
Umar Khalid was arrested in September 2020 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act on charges linked to alleged conspiracy. He remains lodged in Delhi’s Tihar jail. A Delhi court recently granted him provisional bail to attend his sister Ayesha Fatima Syeda’s wedding on December 27. He surrendered again on December 29 after the event.
Khalid’s father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, met Mamdani in early December during a visit to the United States. Family members said the meeting reflected shared concern for justice and dignity.
Mamdani assumed office after a public inauguration where Senator Bernie Sanders administered the oath. In his address, Mamdani reaffirmed his democratic socialist position and pledged expansive governance. He spoke of restoring a strong public role in improving lives and outlined plans including free buses, free childcare, city-run shops, and rent controls.
