Tihar Jail authorities have refuted claims circulating on social media regarding the critical health of Shabir Ahmad Shah, a Kashmiri separatist leader currently incarcerated there. The jail administration issued a statement asserting that Shah is receiving regular medical attention and that his condition is stable. This announcement follows a wave of concern and appeals from political figures and Shah's family, who claim he is suffering from a life-threatening illness, specifically prostate cancer, and is being denied adequate medical care.
According to Tihar Jail officials, Shabir Ahmad Shah was recently admitted to Safdarjung Hospital for an evaluation of "lower urinary tract symptoms." Following these consultations, he was admitted for further tests. The authorities stated that all his reports have been found to be normal and appropriate medical treatment is being provided to him at Safdarjung Hospital. These reports contradict claims made by some parties that Shah's condition is critical and requires immediate surgery.
The appeals for Shah's medical attention gained traction after his daughter, Sehar Shabir, posted an emotional plea on social media, seeking "justice and compassion" for her father. She stated that her father has been advised to undergo multiple surgeries and that the family has been kept away, and not given access to his medical records for the last three years. Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also penned a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting "dignity and fairness" in providing medical treatment to Shah. Mehdi highlighted that Shah's doctors had recommended three surgeries for serious medical conditions, including what he described as "life-threatening prostate cancer." He urged Amit Shah to ensure that Shah is provided dignified medical care in a facility equipped for cancer treatment.
Conversely, Tihar Jail officials maintain that Shah's health is stable and that he is receiving all necessary medical assistance. They deny allegations of medical neglect or that his condition is as dire as portrayed by some family members and political figures. They have stated that he was referred to Safdarjung Hospital on June 26 for an OPD consultation and was subsequently admitted for further tests and evaluation.
Shabir Ahmad Shah was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on June 4, 2019, on charges of terror funding and allegedly indulging in anti-national activities. He is currently lodged in Tihar's Jail Number One. His arrest and subsequent incarceration have been a subject of much debate and controversy, particularly concerning his health and access to medical care.
The situation remains tense, with conflicting reports from the Tihar Jail authorities and concerned parties. While the jail administration insists that Shabir Ahmad Shah is receiving adequate medical attention and his condition is stable, his family and supporters continue to voice concerns and demand more comprehensive and transparent medical care.
