Politics – Senior National Conference leader and former minister Qamar Ali Akhoon passed away on Friday, prompting members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to observe a two-minute silence in his memory.
The news of Akhoon’s death was formally conveyed to the House by National Conference legislator and spokesperson Tanveer Sadiq. As the announcement was made, a somber mood descended upon the Assembly chamber. Lawmakers across party lines rose to honour the late leader, recalling his decades-long contribution to public life.
Several members expressed condolences to his family and acknowledged his role in shaping political discourse in the region. The tribute reflected the respect he commanded beyond party affiliations.
Qamar Ali Akhoon was widely regarded as one of the most prominent political figures from Kargil in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Born in Sangra village of the mountainous district, he built his political career representing the aspirations of people living in remote and high-altitude areas.
During his tenure as Food Minister in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Akhoon handled a key portfolio that directly impacted public welfare. Colleagues often described him as a leader who maintained close contact with the grassroots and understood the administrative challenges faced by far-flung regions.
Over the years, he became a familiar and influential presence in regional politics, especially in Kargil, where he earned recognition for consistently raising local concerns at higher decision-making levels.
Members of the Assembly noted that Akhoon’s political journey was marked by steady engagement with constituents and a commitment to democratic institutions. Legislators from different parties spoke of his accessibility and willingness to listen, qualities that helped him maintain relevance across changing political landscapes.
Speakers in the House emphasized that his work extended beyond party politics, particularly when it came to advocating for development and essential services in remote districts. The two-minute silence observed by the Assembly underscored the sense of collective loss felt within the political fraternity.
His passing is being viewed as the conclusion of an important chapter in Kargil’s political history, where he remained a central figure for many years.
The tribute in the Assembly also comes against the backdrop of significant political changes in the region. In August 2019, Parliament bifurcated the former state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh—following the abrogation of Article 370.
Despite the administrative separation, political linkages between the two regions continue. The National Conference has maintained its presence in parts of Ladakh, particularly in Kargil, which has a Muslim-majority population and longstanding political ties with leaders from the party.
In 2024, elections were held for the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. A government led by Omar Abdullah assumed office in October that year. The current Assembly session, where tributes were paid to Akhoon, reflects the evolving political landscape following the reorganisation.
For many in Kargil, Akhoon symbolised continuity during periods of transition and uncertainty. His career spanned different political phases of the former state and later the Union Territory arrangement, making him one of the senior-most faces associated with regional representation.
Leaders in the Assembly described him as a bridge between local communities and the larger political framework of Jammu and Kashmir. As condolences continue to pour in, his supporters recall a leader who remained closely connected to the people he represented.
With his demise, Jammu and Kashmir politics loses a seasoned public representative whose work left a lasting imprint on Kargil and beyond.
