Former minister, NC leader Qamar Ali Akhoon passes away

Srinagar, Feb 13: Senior National Conference leader and former minister Qamar Ali Akhoon, a veteran political figure from Kargil, passed away on Friday, drawing widespread grief across the political spectrum in J&K and Ladakh.

According to family sources, Akhoon was unwell for some time and breathed his last at his Jammu residence. He passed away Friday morning. Hundreds of people attended the funeral prayers of the deceased. Akhoon was the elder brother of Chief Executive Councillor LAHDC Kargil, Dr Muhammad Jaffar Akhoon .

Hailing from Sangra village in Kargil, Akhoon was known for his extensive political experience and strong representation of Kargil and the wider Ladakh region. During his career, he served as a Cabinet Minister, Advisor to the Chief Minister, and the first Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil. He also held key portfolios, including Transport and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, and was appointed Additional General Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC). Akhoon served as a Minister for six years and began his political journey at the grassroots level, where he was elected unopposed as a councillor. He was re-elected as an MLA in the 2008 Assembly elections and later served as a Minister in the Omar Abdullah-led government, representing the aspirations of the Ladakh region in the Cabinet. His contributions laid the foundation for inclusive development and democratic governance in Kargil.

J&K Assembly pay tributes

J&K Legislative Assembly paid tribute to the former member and senior politician Qamar Ali Akhoon.  The demise of the senior leader was informed to the Legislative Assembly by National Conference spokesperson and legislator, Tanvir Sadiq. Soon after the announcement, members of the House expressed profound sorrow and paid rich tributes to his political and public service legacy.

Speaker Legislative Assembly Abdul Rahim Rather informed the house that Akhoon, who hailed from Sangra village of Kargil, was regarded as a seasoned politician who represented Kargil and the Ladakh region with distinction during his tenure in public life.

Members across party lines acknowledged his contribution to public welfare and his role in articulating the concerns of people from far-flung and high-altitude areas. The Assembly observed solemn moments as members remembered his service and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

The Assembly observed silence as a mark of respect and extended condolences to the bereaved family, praying for eternal peace to the departed soul.

LG Manoj Sinha

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, has condoled the passing away of former Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon. He has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief, said an official statement.

CM Omar

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the demise, recalling Akhoon’s contributions towards uplifting people’s lives and stating that he served the public with honesty, dedication and commitment.

In a condolence message, the CM expressed sorrow, remembering him as a dedicated public figure. The CM said that Qamar Ali Akhoon served the people with commitment and humility throughout his public life. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul.

LG Ladakh

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta also expressed grief over Akhoon’s demise.  “Deeply saddened by the demise of Qamar Ali Akhoon, former Minister of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir. His dedicated public service and contribution to the general people will always be remembered with respect. Heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and admirers” the LG Ladakh said.

LAHDC Kargil

The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil has expressed sorrow over the demise of Akhoon. The Council paid tributes to the departed soul, remembering him as a leader whose life was devoted entirely to the service and welfare of the people.

Executive Councillor Kacho Muhammad Feroz described the passing of Qamar Ali Akhoon as an irreparable loss and a huge vacuum in the political and social leadership of Kargil. He said that Late Akhoon was known for his unwavering dedication, honesty, visionary leadership, politeness, and accessibility to the common people, which made him a role model for younger generations of leadership. “He was celebrated across party lines and respected by all communities for his secular mindset and inclusive approach,” he added.

LAHDC Kargil extended heartfelt condolences to his brother, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Muhammad Jaffer Akhoon, and to all immediate family members. As a mark of respect, three days of mourning have been announced in LAHDC Kargil, and all offices of the Council will remain closed during this period. The condolence gathering concluded with a one-minute silence observed in memory of the departed leader, followed by a Fatiha Khawani for the departed soul led by Executive Councillor Aga Syed Mujtaba. All councillors of and staff members of LAHDC Kargil mourned the loss of a great son of Ladakh whose legacy of service, secularism, and people-centric leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.

MP Muhammad Haneefa, CS Ladakh

Member of Parliament Muhammad Haneefa said he was heartbroken by the passing of Qamar Ali Akhoon Sahib. “With his demise, Ladakh and especially Kargil have lost not just a senior political figure, but a guiding force who dedicated his entire life to the betterment, dignity, and progress of the people of Kargil,” the MP added. Chief Secretary Ladakh Ashish Kundra also condoled Akhoon’s demise. “Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of SH Qamar Ali Akhoon , former minister in J&K and Chairman of KDA . A distinguished political leader of Kargil, his loss will be felt in the community. May God grant strength and fortitude to the family of the departed” the Chief Secretary posted on X.

LAB

Apex body Leh has also condoled Akhoon’s demise. “We are deeply saddened to hear the sudden demise of Haji Qamar Ali Akhoon, Chairman Kargil Democratic Alliance. He was a towering personality of Kargil and served many years in public life and as a cabinet minister in the erstwhile state of J&K. He will be always remembered as an honest and man of integrity,” said a statement.

He was also the Chairman of the Kargil Democratic Alliance and played a key role in bringing Kargil and Leh district on one platform for the struggle for statehood and sixth schedule for Ladakh. In his capacity as chairman of the KDA, he participated in all the High-Powered Committee and subcommittee meetings with the ministry of Home Affairs. The passing away of Haji Qamar Ali Akhoon at this critical juncture is a big loss particularly for Kargil district. All the members of the Apex Body Leh condole his demise and pray that his soul may rest in peace. The members also convey their deepest condolences to the bereaved family and all near and dear of late Haji Qamar Ali Akhoon” Chering Dorjey, president ABL said.

KDA

The Co-Chairman of the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), Haji Asgar Ali Karbalaie, has expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Qamar Ali Akhone, a distinguished veteran politician of Ladakh, former MLA Kargil, former Minister in the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, and Co-Chairman of KDA.

In his condolence message, M Karbalaie described  Akhoon as a principled and steadfast leader who never compromised on the interests and aspirations of the people of Ladakh. He stated that following the formation of KDA, Akhoon , in his capacity as Co-Chairman, consistently and resolutely championed Ladakh’s four-point agenda, standing firm on every issue concerning the rights, identity, and constitutional safeguards of the region. His clarity of vision, political acumen, and unwavering commitment significantly strengthened the collective movement. Karbalai further recalled that despite his health concerns, Qamar Ali Akhoon attended the last APEX-KDA meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, held on February 4, 2026 in New Delhi, where he forcefully and articulately advocated for the cause of Ladakh. His dedication to the larger public interest remained steadfast until his final days.

JUIAK Kargil

Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil-Ladakh expressed sorrow over the demise of Qamar Ali Akhoon, former Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, former Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, and Co-Chairman of the Kargil Democratic Alliance.

In its statement, the organization paid tribute to his notable political and social services, remembering his lifelong dedication and contributions to the people of Kargil, and prayed for the elevation of his ranks in the Hereafter.

It is noteworthy that during Friday sermon, the Markazi Imam-e-Juma of Kargil and Vice President of JUIAK, Hujjat-ul-Islam Sheikh Ghulam Ali Mufeed, also expressed deep sorrow over his passing and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, particularly to his brother, Chairman & Chief Executive Councillor Dr. Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon.

Congress Unit Kargil

The District Congress Committee (DCC) Kargil expressed grief over the demise of Qamar Ali Akhoon, “ “Akhoon’s passing marks a great loss to the political arena of Kargil and Ladakh at large. He was a man of strong principles and a charactered politician who never compromised on the core issues concerning Kargil and its people. Throughout his long and distinguished public life, he remained steadfast in safeguarding the interests, dignity, and aspirations of the region. His contribution to public service and political discourse will always be remembered with deep respect and admiration” a statement said.

On behalf of the party, the Working President LTCC, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalaie, former MLA Haji Nissar Ali, former MLA Ghulam Raza, Nasir Munshi, Executive Councillors, Councillors, senior functionaries, and party workers have paid rich tributes to the departed leader and acknowledged his immense contribution to the socio-political development of Kargil.

JKNC

Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President, Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President & Chief Minister Omar Abdullah along with the rank and file of the party have expressed profound grief over the passing of Qamar Ali Akhoon. Remembering him as a dedicated public figure, they said he served the people with commitment, humility and sincerity throughout his political journey. His contribution to public life and unwavering connect with the grassroots earned him immense respect across regions. They conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul, hoping that the family finds strength and solace in this hour of grief. Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad and General Secretary NC Ali Mohammad Sagar, senior leaders Mubarak Gul, Nasir Aslam Wani, Tanvir Sadiq also condoled the demise.