Umar Khalid’s father recalls meeting Zohran Mamdani in US ahead of activist’s bail
New Delhi: Days before jailed activist Umar Khalid was granted a 14-day bail to attend his sister’s wedding, his father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, met New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani in the United States and discussed Khalid’s prolonged incarceration.
Ilyas in an exclusive interview to NDTV, said he met Mamdani on December 9 for around 25 minutes. The meeting was sought by Ilyas to thank Mamdani for reading Khalid’s jail diary in 2023 and for expressing solidarity with him, NDTV reported on Saturday.
"He said he always thinks about Umar's incarceration and that he must get bail now," Ilyas recalled, adding that Mamdani drew parallels between himself and Khalid for raising issues concerning common people.
During the meeting, Mamdani reportedly wrote a letter to Khalid. “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,” said the note signed by Mamdani.
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Ilyas, who is also a spokesperson of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), said that when Mamdani asked if he could help further, he replied, “Just pray.” Ilyas said that he was present during the recent arguments in the Supreme Court and hoped that something positive would unfold soon.
Mamdani's letter stirred controversy with BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia calling the case against Khalid an internal matter of India.
Umar Khalid has been in jail for nearly five years in connection with the February 2020 Delhi riots, in which 53 people were killed. He was granted interim bail from December 16 to 29 to attend his sister’s wedding.
US Representatives Jim McGovern and Jamie Raskin and six other lawmakers wrote to the Indian Ambassador to the US Vinay Kwatra, expressing concern regarding the "prolonged pre-trial detention of individuals charged in connection with the February 2020 violence in Delhi,” including Khalid.
The lawmakers said that human rights organisations, legal experts and international media had raised questions about the fairness of the investigation and legal process in Khalid’s case.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
