In a remarkable gesture of international solidarity, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has penned a personal, handwritten note to incarcerated Indian student activist Umar Khalid, assuring him that "we are all thinking of you." This message of support was delivered during a recent visit to India by a delegation from the Mayor's Office for International Affairs.
A Message of Solidarity from Across the Oceans
The note from Mayor Adams was a direct response to a letter he had previously received from Umar Khalid's father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas. The father had reached out, sharing the details of his son's prolonged incarceration. Deeply moved by the plea, Mayor Adams took the time to write back, addressing his words directly to Umar Khalid himself.
The note, dated January 30, 2024, carried a simple yet powerful message: "Umar — We are all thinking of you. Stay strong. — Eric Adams." This act transcends formal diplomacy, representing a deeply human connection and a recognition of Khalid's situation on a global stage.
The Context: Umar Khalid's Legal Ordeal
Umar Khalid, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student and activist, has been in prison for over three and a half years. He was arrested in September 2020 under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the Delhi riots of February 2020.
The case against him is part of a larger conspiracy investigation. Khalid, along with several other activists and students, faces serious charges. His bail applications have been repeatedly denied, with the courts citing the gravity of the allegations. His detention has become a focal point for discussions on free speech, activist rights, and the application of anti-terror laws in India.
The delivery of Mayor Adams's note was facilitated by Mamta Kulkarni, the Executive Director of the NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs. During her visit to India, she ensured the personal message reached its intended recipient, bridging the geographical and political divide with a page of handwritten concern.
Reactions and the Ripple Effect
This personal intervention by a major foreign political figure is significant. It highlights how Umar Khalid's case has garnered attention and concern beyond India's borders. While the Indian government has maintained that the legal process must run its course, international observers and human rights groups have frequently raised questions about the proceedings.
The note from Mayor Adams does not make a legal or political statement. Instead, it offers moral support. For Khalid's family and supporters, it is a poignant reminder that his plight is not forgotten. It adds a layer of international witness to a domestic legal battle that has stretched for years.
Such gestures, though symbolic, can amplify conversations about justice, due process, and the treatment of dissent. They place local events under a global lens, often prompting further scrutiny and dialogue.
The core facts remain: Umar Khalid remains in jail awaiting trial. A powerful mayor from one of the world's most prominent cities has now personally acknowledged his struggle. This act of writing a note underscores the universal language of human rights and the power of simple words to convey complex solidarity.
