Did Umar Khalid's Father Meet Mayor Zohran Mamdani?
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Synopsis
In a significant revelation, Umar Khalid's father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, shared insights about his meeting with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The mayor expressed concern over Khalid's imprisonment, highlighting issues of justice and discrimination faced by Muslims in India. This story sheds light on the international implications of Khalid's case and the ongoing struggle for justice.
Key Takeaways
- Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas met Zohran Mamdani for 25 minutes to discuss his son’s imprisonment.
- Mamdani expressed concern for Umar Khalid and provided a handwritten note of support.
- Khalid has been imprisoned for nearly five years without trial.
- The meeting has sparked discussions about justice and discrimination against Muslims in India.
- The public response to Mamdani's note has been significant on social media.
New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) In the midst of the controversy surrounding a handwritten note from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani directed to imprisoned student activist Umar Khalid, his father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, revealed on Friday that he had a meeting with the Asian American Muslim mayor during their recent visit to the United States last month.
During this encounter, Zohran Mamdani presented a handwritten note to Khalid's family and conveyed his worries regarding Khalid's extended imprisonment.
Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, who is also the spokesperson for the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), shared insights with IANS about the 25-minute discussion he had with the New York mayor, emphasizing the support he received through the handwritten letter for their incarcerated son.
Ilyas stated that he initiated the meeting with Zohran Mamdani while he was in the United States last month, which lasted approximately 25 minutes.
He added that Mamdani expressed his concern for Umar Khalid and remarked on the unfortunate reality that a promising young man, who has campaigned against the CAA and NRC and advocated for the rights of tribals and Dalits, has been held in jail for five years without trial or bail.
Mamdani inquired about how he could assist in this situation, to which Khalid's father responded, "Just pray."
Ilyas highlighted that Umar Khalid's father received assurances of support from the New York mayor, who also met with two Congressmen who pledged their assistance.
This meeting led to Mamdani's widely circulated handwritten note on social media.
Regarding Umar Khalid's bail, his father mentioned being present during the recent Supreme Court discussions and expressed hope for a favorable outcome soon.
It is noteworthy that Umar Khalid, a student and activist from Jawaharlal Nehru University, has been incarcerated for nearly five years due to his alleged involvement in the February 2020 Delhi riots.
When asked if he wished for Mayor Zohran Mamdani to contact Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this matter, Ilyas stated he had neither requested nor expressed any such desire.
"This is an internal affair of the country and should be settled domestically," he commented.
On the status of Muslims in India, he expressed concerns about the prevailing discrimination, stating, "They face inequities, their homes are demolished, and Muslim youth are falsely implicated while those who make inflammatory remarks against the community face no repercussions." He asserted that these issues tarnish India's global image.
On the international resonance of Umar Khalid's case, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas remarked that the world has evolved into a global village, making it possible for issues from any nation to resonate globally.
"Umar's voice has been reverberating on social media for quite some time, both domestically and internationally," he added.
He also mentioned that a couple of years back, around 200 prominent intellectuals from around the globe had expressed their concerns through a letter. It's unsurprising that Zohran Mamdani's remarks during the elections were also noted in India.
When asked if Zohran Mamdani's influence in the US parallels that of Rahul Gandhi in India, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas refrained from commenting.
Addressing Devkinandan Thakur's remarks about a Bangladeshi player on an IPL cricket team, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas stated that Shah Rukh Khan should respond to that.
"This is the nature of cricket: players are signed, and they participate in the game. A cricket match between India and Pakistan occurred post Operation Sindoor. Despite opposition, the match proceeded," he elaborated.
Point of View
It is vital to acknowledge the broader implications of this meeting between Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas and Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Khalid’s case raises pertinent questions about justice and human rights, particularly concerning the treatment of marginalized communities in India. This situation calls for a balanced discourse that upholds the values of justice and equality, while respecting the sovereignty of national matters.
NationPress
11/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas to meet Mayor Zohran Mamdani?
He sought the meeting during his recent trip to the US, aiming to discuss support for his son, Umar Khalid, who has been imprisoned for nearly five years.
What was discussed during the meeting?
The meeting focused on Khalid’s prolonged imprisonment and the mayor’s concerns about his situation, along with a handwritten note of support.
How has the public reacted to the mayor's handwritten note?
The note has gained significant attention on social media, sparking discussions about Khalid’s case and related human rights issues.
What are the implications of Khalid’s case internationally?
Khalid's case resonates globally as issues of justice and discrimination against Muslims in India draw international concern.
How does Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas view the treatment of Muslims in India?
He expressed concern over discrimination and violence against Muslims, stating it tarnishes India's image on the world stage.
