Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Criticises NIA Court's Rejection of Separatist Leader Shabir Shah's Bail

Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday expressed concern over the rejection of bail to separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah by a National Investigation Agency court, describing the decision as “deeply disappointing and unjust”. Mirwaiz said the Centre should ensure Mr. Shah’s release, raising questions over his continued incarceration and the circumstances surrounding his prolonged detention. His comments came on October 7, a day before the issue was reported publicly.

Mirwaiz said Mr. Shah’s continued incarceration was particularly concerning because he had already spent nearly four decades in prisons without conviction, according to the statement. He also referred to the Supreme Court having granted Mr. Shah bail in March this year, arguing that his continued detention despite that development was a matter of concern. The remarks focused on what Mirwaiz described as the prolonged nature of Mr. Shah’s incarceration and the legal developments surrounding his case.

The Kashmir chief cleric called on the Centre to take steps to ensure Mr. Shah’s release following the latest bail decision. He characterised the NIA court’s rejection of bail as an unjust development and said the issue required attention from the authorities. His statement placed the focus on Mr. Shah’s continued detention and the question of whether the Centre should intervene to facilitate his release.

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Mirwaiz also broadened his concern to other political prisoners who, he said, were suffering from serious health problems after years of detention. He raised the issue of prolonged incarceration and delayed trials, saying the condition of such prisoners required attention. The comments linked Mr. Shah’s case to wider concerns over political detainees who remain in custody for extended periods while legal proceedings continue.

Mr. Shah, chairman of the Democratic Freedom Party, has remained incarcerated for several years in cases involving allegations investigated by central agencies. Mirwaiz's statement did not alter the court's decision but represented a public appeal for the authorities to reconsider his continued detention. The remarks also highlighted the distinction between the legal proceedings against Mr. Shah and the political concerns raised by his supporters and others in Kashmir.

The latest comments come after the NIA court rejected Mr. Shah’s bail plea, while Mirwaiz reiterated his demand for his release. He said the Centre should ensure that Mr. Shah is freed and also expressed concern about other detainees facing serious health issues and prolonged legal proceedings. The matter remains tied to the ongoing judicial process and the decisions of the courts handling the cases against the political prisoners.

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