Political circles in Jammu and Kashmir are witnessing a growing chorus for the release of separatist leader Shabir Shah from prison, with many advocating for him to be placed under home custody due to his deteriorating health. Shah is reportedly suffering from prostate cancer and requires urgent surgery, prompting appeals from various political figures for humanitarian consideration.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, has urged the central government to intervene, emphasizing the need for Shabir Shah to receive adequate medical care. She has specifically appealed to Home Secretary Govind Mohan to ensure that Shah's family is allowed to be by his side during this critical time, particularly as courts have reportedly barred the family from being present during his treatment. Mufti highlighted the unfortunate circumstance of Shah being incarcerated in Tihar jail for a considerable period while battling a serious illness.
Echoing similar sentiments, Sajad Lone of the People's Conference has also called for Shabir Shah to be placed under house arrest. Lone stressed that Shah is "very very ill" and needs medical intervention, including potential surgery. Given Shah's age, which he stated is over 75 years old, Lone believes it is essential for him to be near his loved ones as he undergoes treatment. Despite ideological differences, Lone affirmed his respect for Shah, emphasizing his belief in non-violence. He has appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to facilitate Shah's home custody until his medical issues are resolved.
Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has also voiced his support for Shabir Shah, revealing that he spoke with Shah's wife, who expressed distress over the rejection of the family's bail plea. Mirwaiz has appealed to the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir to raise this serious issue and provide all possible assistance.
Shabir Shah, who founded the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP), has been in jail since 2017. He was initially arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in July 2017 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Later, in 2019, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took him into custody in connection with an alleged terror funding case. His party DFP has been banned by the central government.
The calls for Shabir Shah's release on medical and humanitarian grounds come amid a series of actions taken by the Jammu and Kashmir Police against separatist leaders and organizations. In March 2025, authorities conducted raids on multiple locations, including the residences of separatist leaders, as part of ongoing investigations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The police have stated that these actions aim to dismantle the remnants of the secessionist and terrorist ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.
Simultaneously, there have been instances of separatist leaders renouncing separatism and pledging allegiance to the Indian Constitution. In April 2025, three senior separatist leaders publicly distanced themselves from Hurriyat factions, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the region. The shifting political landscape adds complexity to the appeals for Shabir Shah's release. While some view it through a humanitarian lens, others see it as potentially disruptive to efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security in the region.
As of June 2025, the appeals for Shabir Shah's home custody continue, with political parties and leaders awaiting a response from the central and state governments. The situation underscores the delicate balance between security concerns and humanitarian considerations in Jammu and Kashmir.
