International, Jan 2: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a personal note to jailed activist Umar Khalid, recalling his reflections on “bitterness” and the need to resist being consumed by it. 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 the note. Addressing Khalid, the mayor 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 Mamdani.
Umar Khalid has been in custody under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, and provisions of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly being among the “masterminds” behind the February 2020 Delhi riots, which left 53 people dead and more than 700 injured. Khalid and his co-accused have consistently denied the charges.
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, timely trial in accordance with international law.” The letter was signed by eight US Representatives, including Jim McGovern and Jamie Raskin.
Expressing concern over what they described as the “prolonged pre-trial detention” of individuals charged in connection with the Delhi violence, the lawmakers said the US and India share a long-standing strategic partnership rooted in democratic values, constitutional governance and people-to-people ties. As the world’s largest democracies, they said, both countries have a shared interest in upholding freedom, the rule of law, human rights and pluralism.
“It is in this spirit” that the lawmakers raised concerns about Khalid’s continued detention, citing observations by human rights organisations, legal experts and sections of the global media that have questioned the fairness of the investigation and legal process. They noted that Khalid has been held without bail for five years under the UAPA, which, according to independent human rights experts, may be inconsistent with international standards of due process, equality before the law and proportionality.
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 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 share the steps being taken to ensure that the judicial proceedings against Khalid and those of his co-accused who remain in detention comport with international standards,” the letter said.
