Mehbooba Mufti, Sajad Lone urge humanitarian intervention for ailing Shabir Shah

Srinagar, June 20: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone have made passionate appeals to the central government and Lieutenant Governor’s office to extend humanitarian support to incarcerated separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah, who is reportedly battling life-threatening ailments in Tihar Jail.

Shah, who has been under detention for several years, is said to be suffering from prostate cancer and is in urgent need of surgery.

Sajad Lone, in an appeal on social media, said, “Shabir Shah Sahib is very, very ill. He is suffering from life-threatening ailments which require urgent medical intervention, possibly surgery. He is more than 75. I may not agree with his political ideology, but he has always believed in non-violence. He is dear to me.”

Lone urged the Lieutenant Governor's office to consider home custody until Shah’s health stabilises. “He would want to be near his loved ones when he is wheeled in for surgery. The least we can do is to have his family around him,” added Lone.

Shabir Shah incarcerated in Tihar Jail for a considerable period is reportedly suffering from prostate cancer & is in urgent need of surgery. Deeply unfortunate that the Courts have barred his family from being present during his treatment. Appeal the Home Secretary Govind Mohan…

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) June 19, 2025

Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), echoed similar sentiments and highlighted the emotional distress caused by the court's reported decision to bar Shah’s family from being present during his treatment.

“It is deeply unfortunate that the courts have not allowed his family to be with him during this critical time. I appeal to Home Secretary Govind Mohan ji to kindly intervene on humanitarian grounds and ensure that due compassion and care is extended. His family deserves to be by his side,” Mehbooba said.

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…

— Sajad Lone (@sajadlone) June 20, 2025