'Shabir Shah suffering from cancer, Needs humanitarian aid': Kashmiri politicians seek humanitarian support

June 21, 2025 by News Desk

CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Lone have called for immediate humanitarian intervention in the case of ailing Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, who is reportedly suffering from prostate cancer and requires urgent surgery.

Tarigami appealed to the Union government to consider granting bail to Shah or placing him under house arrest so that he can receive proper medical care surrounded by family.
“In view of the deteriorating health of Shabir Shah, and considering his advanced age and multiple comorbidities, it is imperative that he be granted bail so his family can provide the necessary pre- and post-operative care in a stable and supportive environment,” Tarigami said in a statement.

“Pending bail, placing him under house arrest may be considered on humanitarian grounds to ensure he receives adequate care. Earnestly requesting Hon’ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah to kindly consider intervening—within his capacity—for a humane resolution, given the serious health concerns involved. There are precedents of bail being granted in similar medical situations,” he added.

Sajad Lone also expressed deep concern over Shah’s condition and urged authorities to allow his family to be with him during treatment.
“Shabir Shah Sahib is very very ill. He is suffering from life-threatening ailments which need medical intervention and in all probability surgery. The best way would be to involve his family. He would want to be near his loved ones when he is wheeled in for surgery. He is more than 75 years of age,” Lone said.

“I have known Shabir Shah Sahib for decades. I may not agree with his political ideology, but he has always believed in non-violence. He will always be dear to me. It is my humble handfolded request to @OfficeOfLGJandK to ideally facilitate a home custody until his medical issues are sorted out. The least we can do is to have his family around him,” he added.

The issue was first raised by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday, who expressed anguish over reports that Shah’s family had been denied permission to be present during his treatment.
“Deeply unfortunate that the Courts have barred his family from being present during his treatment,” Mehbooba wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

She also appealed to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan to intervene. “I appeal to the Home Secretary Govind Mohan ji to kindly intervene on humanitarian grounds and ensure that due compassion and care is extended in this critical time, and that his family is allowed to be by his side at this difficult hour,” she said.

Shah, a senior leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, has been lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail for several years under various charges. His deteriorating health has triggered widespread concern among rights groups and political figures in the Valley.

There has been no official response from the Ministry of Home Affairs or the Tihar Jail authorities regarding the appeals at the time of filing this report.