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.
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.
