New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) In light of the ongoing debate surrounding a handwritten communication from New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani to the detained student activist Umar Khalid, Khalid's father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, revealed on Friday that he had a meeting with the Asian American Muslim mayor during their visit to the United States last month.

During this encounter, Zohran Mamdani presented a handwritten note to Khalid's parents, voicing his worries about Khalid's extended imprisonment.

In an interview with IANS, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, who also serves as the spokesperson for the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), shared details about their 25-minute dialogue with the New York mayor, highlighting Mamdani's support through a handwritten letter for their son.

Ilyas mentioned that he arranged to meet with Zohran Mamdani while in New York last month, and this meeting lasted approximately 25 minutes.

He added that Mamdani wrote a letter advocating for Umar Khalid, which he personally delivered to him. Ilyas also expressed gratitude for Mamdani having read excerpts from Khalid's prison diary two years ago.

During their conversation, Mamdani articulated his concern regarding Umar Khalid, expressing regret that a talented young man who opposed the CAA and NRC and raised awareness about tribal and Dalit issues has been imprisoned for five years without trial and bail.

When asked about how he could assist, Khalid's father requested, "Just pray."

He also mentioned that Mamdani assured him of all possible support for his incarcerated son and had met with two Congressmen who promised their backing.

Following this meeting, Mamdani circulated his message via a handwritten note, which has gained significant traction on social media.

On the subject of Umar Khalid's bail, his father indicated he was present for the recent Supreme Court arguments and remains hopeful for a favorable outcome.

Significantly, Umar Khalid, a student and activist from Jawaharlal Nehru University, has been imprisoned for nearly five years linked to the February 2020 riots in Delhi.

When questioned if he wished for Mayor Zohran Mamdani to communicate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding this issue, he clarified that he had made no such request or expressed such a desire.

"This is an internal matter and should be resolved within the country itself," he commented.

Addressing the treatment of Muslims in India, he stated that the prevailing attitude is concerning.

"They face discrimination, their homes are demolished, and Muslim youth are falsely implicated, while no actions are taken against those making inflammatory remarks against the community," he asserted, adding that such actions tarnish India's image.

On why Umar Khalid's situation resonates globally, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas noted that the world has become a global village, making any issue from one nation likely to resonate worldwide.

"Umar's voice has been prominent on social media for an extended period, both domestically and internationally," he continued.

He also mentioned that a couple of years ago, the top 200 intellectuals around the globe had expressed their concerns through a letter, indicating that what Zohran Mamdani stated during his electoral campaign was also noted in India.

When asked to compare Zohran Mamdani's role in the US to that of Rahul Gandhi in India, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas preferred not to comment.

In response to Devkinandan Thakur's remarks about a Bangladeshi cricketer in an IPL team, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas stated that Shah Rukh Khan should address this issue.

"Cricket operates through player signings, and matches occur regardless of opposition, as seen in the past between India and Pakistan after Operation Sindoor," he elaborated.