New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani Writes to Jailed Activist Umar Khalid: “We Are All Thinking of You”

In a rare gesture of international solidarity, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a heartfelt letter to imprisoned Indian student and political activist Umar Khalid, praising his resilience and reflecting on the importance of resisting bitterness in the face of injustice.

The handwritten note, which begins with the words, “Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume one’s self,” was shared publicly by Khalid’s friend and fellow activist, Banojyotsna Lahiri. The letter continued, “It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you.” Lahiri posted the message on social media on Thursday, where it swiftly drew attention from human rights advocates and political commentators around the world.

Umar Khalid, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader, has been held in prison since September 2020 under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He was accused of involvement in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, though he and his supporters maintain he has been targeted for his peaceful dissent and criticism of government policies. His prolonged detention without bail has been condemned by several rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, as emblematic of shrinking space for dissent in India.

Zohran Mamdani, who was elected Mayor of New York City after serving as a state assemblyman, is the son of Indian-born academic Mahmood Mamdani and Indian film-maker Mira Nair. Known for his progressive politics, Mamdani has spoken previously of his solidarity with South Asian activists and political prisoners worldwide. His open letter to Khalid comes at a time when international concern is growing over the treatment of dissenting voices in India.