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

June 19, 2025 by News Desk

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the health condition of incarcerated Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, who is reportedly suffering from prostate cancer and in urgent need of surgery.

In a tweet, Mehbooba expressed anguish over the reported denial of permission for Shah’s family to be present during his treatment. “Deeply unfortunate that the Courts have barred his family from being present during his treatment,” she wrote.

Appealing to Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan for immediate intervention, she added, “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.”

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 been a cause of concern among rights activists 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 appeal at the time of filing this report.