Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir seek home custody for separatist leader

SRINAGAR: Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have urged the central and state governments to facilitate home custody for separatist leader Shabir Shah , who is reportedly suffering from prostate cancer and urgently needs surgery.

“Shabir Shah, in Tihar jail for a considerable period, is suffering from prostate cancer and in urgent need of surgery. It’s deeply unfortunate that courts have barred his family from being present during his treatment,” said former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti . She appealed to home secretary Govind Mohan to intervene on humanitarian grounds and ensure that care is extended to him and his family is allowed to be by his side in this critical time.

Shah was arrested by the ED on July 25, 2017 in a 2005 money laundering case.

Sajad Lone of People’s Conference said Shah was “very very ill” and would “want to be near his loved ones when he’s wheeled in for surgery. He is more than 75 years of age.” He appealed to LG Manoj Sinha to facilitate his home custody and 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.”

Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said, “I spoke to his wife who told me the family’s bail plea on his grave medical condition has been rejected and she does not know how to help him.” He added, “I appeal to the elected govt of J&K to raise this serious issue and provide every assistance they can.”