Are Delhi Prison Authorities Correct About Shabir Shah's Health?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tihar Jail officials have refuted health claims about Shabir Shah.
- Shah is receiving appropriate medical care and is stable.
- Allegations of deteriorating health have been linked to political pressures.
- Shabir Shah was arrested for actions against national integrity.
- The situation reflects ongoing tensions in Jammu and Kashmir.
Jammu, June 27 (NationPress) Officials at Tihar Jail have categorically rejected the circulating rumours regarding the health of the incarcerated separatist leader, Shabir Shah, which were fueled by certain media outlets and statements from Kashmiri politicians, including two members of Parliament (MPs).
Shabir Shah was taken into custody in 2017 for engaging in activities considered damaging to the nation’s integrity and sovereignty.
He faces charges of inciting youth towards violence and is currently held at Delhi's Tihar Jail.
Two MPs from the ruling National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir—Gujjar leader Mian Altaf Ahmad and Shia Muslim leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi—have urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure that Shah receives adequate medical care, as reports indicate he is suffering from prostate cancer.
Mehdi claimed to have learned about Shah's grave illness from his family.
A statement released on Friday by Arvind Kumar, the Public Relations Officer for Delhi Prisons, emphasized, "There are misleading claims being spread on social media regarding the critical health of inmate Shabir Ahmad Shah, son of Ghulam Mohammad Shah.
"It is important to note that this inmate has been given all necessary medical attention, and his condition remains stable. He was referred to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital on June 26, 2025, for an OPD consultation due to some urinary tract symptoms and was admitted for further testing and evaluation.
"All medical reports have returned normal, and appropriate treatment is being administered at the Safdarjung Hospital.
Following August 5, 2019, numerous separatist leaders were detained and placed in various prisons to maintain law and order.
Several of these leaders, such as Shabir Shah and Masrat Alam, were arrested prior to 2019.
These separatist figures have historically advocated for secession from India, promoting the creation of an independent Jammu and Kashmir or a merger with Pakistan.
They have glorified terrorists who used violence against the state, inciting separatist sentiments and pushing more youth towards violence.