Islamabad: The Acting Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), Mahmood Ahmad Saghar, said that 17 July marks nine years since the current incarceration of the Party Chairman and veteran Kashmiri resistance leader Shabir Ahmad Shah. Altogether, he has spent nearly 39 years and six months of his life in prisons and detention centres. Such an extraordinary period of imprisonment is rarely matched in any movement for freedom, justice, and the right to self-determination. His life stands as a remarkable testament to courage, steadfastness, and unwavering commitment to the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.Mahmood Ahmad Saghar stated that Shabir Ahmad Shah has dedicated his entire political life to the peaceful struggle for the people of Jammu and Kashmir's internationally recognised right to self-determination. Despite prolonged imprisonment, solitary confinement, physical and psychological suffering, deteriorating health, and sustained political pressure, he has never compro mised on his principles or abandoned his peaceful political convictions.He noted that Shabir Ahmad Shah's commitment has received international recognition. In 1994, Amnesty International declared him a "Prisoner of Conscience," acknowledging that he had been imprisoned solely because of his peaceful political beliefs. Owing to his extraordinary endurance and decades of incarceration, he has also come to be known internationally as the "Nelson Mandela of Kashmir," reflecting global recognition of his peaceful and principled struggle.The Acting Chairman said that Shabir Ahmad Shah remains a symbol of hope, resilience, and sacrifice for millions of Kashmiris. His life demonstrates that ideas cannot be imprisoned, nor can the aspiration of a people for freedom and justice be extinguished through repression.Mahmood Ahmad Saghar urged the United Nations, the international community, global human rights organisations-including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch-and all relevant international institu tions to take urgent notice of the prolonged detention of Shabir Ahmad Shah and other Kashmiri political prisoners, their deteriorating health conditions, and the continuing violations of their fundamental human rights. He called for meaningful international efforts to secure their release and ensure respect for internationally recognised human rights standards.He reaffirmed that the Jammu Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party pays the highest tribute to the immense sacrifices, steadfastness, and principled leadership of Shabir Ahmad Shah and remains committed to pursuing a peaceful and democratic struggle until the people of Jammu and Kashmir are able to exercise their right to self-determination.