NYC's New Muslim Mayor Zohran Mamdani Pens Heartfelt Note to Jailed Indian Activist Umar Khalid's Parents Amid US Lawmakers' Call for Fair Trial

New Delhi (India) January 2, 2026: Mamdani wrote a note commemorating Khalid, in reference to his visit with Khalid's parents. Khalid's partner Banojyotsna posted the note on social media. Mamdani was sworn in as New York Mayor on Thursday. 

Mamdani's Emotional Note to Khalid's Family

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has spoken against Umar Khalid, a former prisoner who has been in prison for about five years. In a note he wrote to the activist’s parents after meeting them in the US in December of last year. Khalid's partner Banojyotsna Lahiri posted the note to X. 

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," in the letter.

Historic Swearing-In as NYC's Youngest Mayor

Mamdani, the 34-year-old was sworn in as New York City's Mayor at midnight Thursday in a ceremony involving family members and friends. The oath was given to him at the old City Hall subway station by Attorney General Letitia James. He is the youngest and first Muslim Mayor of New York City. 

"Beginning today, we will govern expansively and audaciously. We may not always succeed, but never will we be accused of lacking the courage to try," he said. 

"To those who insist that the era of big government is over, hear me when I say this: No longer will City Hall hesitate to use its power to improve New Yorkers' lives," he added in his speech.

US Lawmakers Demand Fair Trial for Khalid

Meanwhile, eight U.S. legislators have penned a letter urging India’s government to afford Khalid a fair trial in accordance with international law. 

The letter addressed to India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, was signed by Democratic Jim McGovern, from the 2nd District of Massachusetts, ranking member of the House Rules Committee and co-chair of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

Khalid's Arrest Tied to Delhi Riots

The protests led to opposition to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of California and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). In the anti-terror law and portions of the former IPC, activists such as Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, Gulfisha Fatima, Meeran Haider, Rehman and others were accused by the authorities of being the “key conspirators” of the riots that left 53 dead and over 700 injured and were reportedly linked to the uprising.

Khalid was arrested in 2020 for his alleged participation in the Delhi riots. He was granted bail by a Delhi court for his sister's wedding from December 16-29. However, Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai ordered Khalid to surrender before the prison by the evening of December 29. 

He also ordered him to furnish a personal bond, amounting to Rs 20,000, and two similar sureties.