Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, expressed deep concern on Saturday regarding the continued incarceration of separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah. Despite being granted bail by the Supreme Court recently, Shah now faces proceedings in a fresh case dating back to 1996. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Mirwaiz highlighted that Shah is currently elderly and “critically ailing.” He argued that the leader is being persecuted despite having already served a total of 39 years in prison for his political beliefs.
The “Revolving Door” Policy
The Mirwaiz specifically criticised what he termed a “revolving door policy” within the legal system. He explained that this practice involves replacing one case with another as soon as a prisoner is granted relief, ensuring they remain behind bars indefinitely.
“This revolving door policy completely undermines the justice system, where one case replaces another to ensure continued incarceration,” the Mirwaiz stated.
Appeal for Compassion
The appeal was directed at the Government of India, urging authorities to consider the humanitarian aspect of the situation.
- Health Concerns: Shah’s family has frequently raised alarms about his deteriorating health in Tihar Jail.
- Family Suffering: Mirwaiz appealed for an end to the prolonged suffering of both Shah and his family members.
Latest Legal Updates
While the Supreme Court granted Shah bail on 12 March 2026 due to his long incarceration and the slow progress of his trial, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reportedly started proceedings in an old case from 1996. Shah was produced in a Delhi court on Friday evening and has been granted a three-day transit remand to be produced in Jammu on Monday.
The Mirwaiz concluded by calling for Shah’s immediate release, asking the government to show compassion given his advanced age and medical condition.
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