J&K separatist leader Shabir Shah’s daughter Sama tops state in CBSE Class XII exams

Sama Shabir Shah, who aspires to be a judge, secures 97.8 per cent marks — 489 out of 500 — in her exams.

New Delhi: Jailed J&K separatist leader Shabir Shah’s daughter Sama Shabir Shah is the state topper of the CBSE Class XII examinations, the results of which were declared Saturday.

“I am overwhelmed and emotional right now. The person who should have heard this news first is not with me,” Sama, a humanities student, told ThePrint.

“I want to study law and become a judge to fight against injustices,” she added.

Among the separatist leaders of the Valley, Shah — who has spent a total of 31 years in jail — is said to have faced the longest imprisonment.

Shah, who is lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, was most recently arrested by the National Investigation Agency in connection with a terror funding case in July last year.

Her family said Sama has “struggled a lot” for the past one year as she was alone on several occasions, with her mother being summoned by authorities in Delhi in connection with her father’s case.

“She had a lot of stress because she had to prepare for the exam on her own,” said her mother Dr Bilques.

“My daughter had made us proud today and we all know how much effort she had to put in for this success,” she said.

Dr Bilques, who has been summoned on several occasions by the Enforcement Directorate, has had to day-long trips to Delhi.

The ED had also filed a chargesheet against Shah, accusing him of being in touch with Pakistan-based terrorist Hafiz Saeed.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti congratulated Suma for her performance.

“Congratulations to Sama Shabir Shah for securing 97.8% marks in the class 12th class examination. Her hard work & determination has helped her overcome all odds & she is truly an inspiration for the youth of our state,” Mufti tweeted.

The family said they have not been able to convey the news to Shah yet.