New York (USA), January 2, 2026: New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has written a personal handwritten note to jailed activist Umar Khalid, recalling conversations on “bitterness” and stressing the importance of not letting it consume one’s spirit. The note was made public after being shared on social media platform X by Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri.
Posting an image of the message, Lahiri wrote that even when prisons attempt to isolate individuals, words continue to travel. In the note, Mamdani said he often reflects on Khalid’s thoughts about bitterness and the need to resist being overtaken by it. He also mentioned meeting Khalid’s parents and conveyed that many people continue to think of him and stand in solidarity.
Umar Khalid has been in custody for several years in connection with the February 2020 Delhi riots. He is among several individuals booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and provisions of the Indian Penal Code. The violence during the riots claimed 53 lives and left over 700 injured. Investigating agencies have alleged that Khalid was one of the key conspirators behind the unrest, charges that his supporters strongly deny.
The letter from Mamdani comes amid renewed international attention to Khalid’s continued detention. A group of US lawmakers has recently written to India’s Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, urging that Khalid be granted bail and ensured a fair and timely trial in line with international legal standards. The letter was signed by eight members of the US House of Representatives, including Jim McGovern and Jamie Raskin.
In their communication, the lawmakers expressed concern over prolonged pre-trial detention in cases related to the 2020 Delhi violence. They noted that India and the United States share democratic values and constitutional principles, and said both countries have a responsibility to uphold human rights, due process and the rule of law.
The lawmakers also referred to concerns raised by human rights organisations and legal experts regarding the application of UAPA and the length of detention without bail. While acknowledging that Khalid’s case is currently before the Supreme Court of India, they welcomed reports that he was granted temporary bail to attend his sister’s wedding and urged authorities to consider extending bail during the pendency of the trial.
Khalid has remained in jail for nearly five years, and his case continues to be a point of debate among civil rights groups, legal observers and political figures in India and abroad.
