Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, that the NIA court’s decision to deny bail to Shabir Shah is disappointing and unjust. He noted that Shah’s health suffered after years in prison. The Mirwaiz urged the government to ensure his release and return to family.
Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday (October 7, 2026) said he was "deeply concerned over the rejection of bail to separatist leader Shabir Shah by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) court.
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"The NIA move to deny bail is deeply disappointing and unjust. Despite the Supreme Court granting Mr. Shah bail in March this year, his incarceration continues after nearly four decades spent in prisons without conviction," said the Mirwaiz.
The Mirwaiz said the "prolonged detention of Mr. Shah has seriously affected his health. "Mr. Shah requires urgent medical attention and the care of his family," said the Mirwaiz.
"I appeal to the Government of India, opposition leaders, civil society and all those who believe in human dignity and the right to difference of opinion to ensure the release of these prisoners and their return to their families," he added.
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The Mirwaiz also raised concern over "other political prisoners suffering from serious health issues after years of detention and delayed trials".
Mr. Shah headed the separatist organisation, Democratic Freedom Party, which was banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2023. Mr. Shah was arrested by the NIA in 2017 in an alleged terror financing case. In the past, Mr. Shah was among key separatist figures who engaged the Centre in the backchannel dialogue on Kashmir.