Fri Jan 02 05:01:45 UTC 2026: Summary:

Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, has written a letter of support to Umar Khalid, an Indian activist jailed in India since 2020. Khalid is accused of inciting riots and has been held under the UAPA. The letter expresses solidarity and references a past conversation. Mamdani, the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, was sworn in as mayor, promising a socialist agenda and vowing to challenge corporate greed and implement progressive policies.

News Article:

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani Sends Letter of Support to Jailed Indian Activist Umar Khalid

New York, NY – In a move drawing international attention, newly-elected New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has penned a letter of support to Umar Khalid, an Indian activist and former student of Jawaharlal Nehru University, who has been imprisoned in India for nearly five years. Khalid is accused of conspiring to incite riots in Delhi in February 2020 and has been held under the controversial Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) since his arrest in September 2020.

The undated letter, shared by Khalid’s partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, reads, “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.” Khalid’s father reportedly met with Mamdani in early December during a visit to the United States.

Mamdani, the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani, recently took office as mayor, vowing to govern with a progressive, socialist agenda. His inauguration was marked by a speech from Senator Bernie Sanders, who declared Mamdani’s victory a triumph over the Democratic and Republican establishments. Mamdani has pledged to implement policies such as free buses, free childcare, and rent freezes, challenging corporate greed and advocating for a more equitable society. His support for Khalid underscores his commitment to social justice and human rights on a global scale.

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