A chorus of appeals has emerged from Kashmir’s political leadership urging the Central Government to show compassion toward jailed separatist leader Shabir Shah, whose health is reportedly deteriorating due to prostate cancer. Shah, incarcerated in Tihar Jail since 2019 in a terror funding case, is said to be in urgent need of surgery, with his family denied access during treatment.
🏥 Humanitarian Concerns Spark Political Outcry
Former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called the situation “deeply unfortunate,” urging Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan to intervene on humanitarian grounds.
“Shabir Shah is reportedly suffering from prostate cancer & is in urgent need of surgery. It’s unfortunate that the courts have barred his family from being present during his treatment,” she posted on X.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, delivering his Friday sermon at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, echoed the concern, stating that Shah’s wife had informed him their bail plea for family presence was rejected, leaving them helpless.
🧑⚖️ “Don’t Make the Process the Punishment”
Mirwaiz emphasized that prolonged incarceration without due legal process is a violation of human dignity, urging the Centre not to let “the process become the punishment” for political prisoners.
People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone also appealed for compassion, suggesting home custody until Shah’s medical issues are resolved.
“He is more than 75 years of age. The least we can do is to have his family around him,” Lone said.
🔍 Background
Shabir Shah has spent over 30 years in jail cumulatively and was arrested in 2019 under charges of terror financing. His latest bail plea was rejected by the Delhi High Court on June 12, despite his deteriorating health.
Stay tuned for developments on this humanitarian appeal.
