Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has strongly condemned the denial of bail to its President, Shabir Ahmed Shah, despite his deteriorating health condition.

In a statement issued on Friday, DFP Spokesman Advocate Arshad Iqbal said it was deeply regrettable that Indian courts appear to act under political influence rather than upholding principles of justice. He said Shabir Ahmed Shah has been repeatedly implicated in fabricated cases since 1968, yet not a single allegation has been proven against him.

‘Even during the past eight years of Shah’s incarceration in New Delhi’s Tihar Jail under fictitious charges, no court of law has substantiated any allegation,’ the spokesman said. He added that denial of bail is being systematically used as a tool to prolong the unlawful detention of Kashmiri political prisoners who continue to languish in jails across India.

Highlighting the political nature of Shah’s imprisonment, the spokesman said: ‘Shah and other leaders are being victimized solely for raising their voice for the voiceless Kashmiris and for advocating a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute.’

He commended the patience and steadfastness of Shabir Ahmed Shah, who has spent more than half of his life in prisons for his political convictions.

Calling upon international human rights organizations to take serious notice of what he termed ‘judicial repression’ against Kashmiri prisoners, Advocate Arshad Iqbal urged their urgent intervention for Shah’s early release, noting his fragile health and multiple ailments.

‘India must realize that Kashmiris cannot be cowed down or coerced into submission through such repressive tactics,’ the spokesman warned.

Meanwhile, the DFP expressed heartfelt condolences to senior liberation leader Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar on the demise of his elder brother in Srinagar. The party prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.