Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani has called for the return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, triggering debate online, with users divided over ownership and history.
Mamdani said that he would “encourage” King Charles to return the diamond during a press interaction in the US (United States), prompting reactions across social media.
Some users argued that the diamond should be returned to Pakistan, pointing out that it was taken from the Lahore. One user wrote, “It was taken from Lahore, present day Pakistan. Indians thought they could scam another thing out of the whites”.
Others dismissed India’s claim, stating that the diamond changed hands through conflict. “India wants the Kohinoor back? Bro, that diamond was taken as war booty 180 years ago,” a user remarked, adding that returning such items would empty museums.
Another user said that the diamond should not go to India, stating, “To India? It was owned by the Muslims from the beginning. It should be returned to Pakistan”.
Some responses referred to past legal positions taken by India. “In 2016 the Indian government said it should not try to reclaim Koh-i-Noor from Britain,” a user noted, adding that it was described as a “gifted” item.
Others maintained that the diamond was transferred through a treaty rather than theft. “The jewel was taken as part of a treaty. It was not stolen,” a comment read.
Several users questioned the feasibility of returning historical artefacts. “They can’t because once they start returning stuff they stole, there wouldn’t be any jewels and the British Museum would be empty,” one user wrote.
