SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, and Vice President and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah have expressed profound grief over the demise of senior party leader, Additional General Secretary and former Cabinet Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution and Transport, as well as former Advisor to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and a towering political figure from Kargil, Qamar Ali Akhoon.
In his condolence message, Dr. Farooq said, “The news of Akhoon Sahib’s passing has filled me with deep sorrow. I remember him as a devoted party colleague and cabinet member who remained steadfastly committed to the welfare of the people of Kargil. His demise marks the end of an era, yet his legacy will endure through his selfless service and unwavering dedication to the ideals of our party. My heartfelt condolences and sympathies are with the bereaved family. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat.”
In his message, CM Omar Abdullah said, “Akhoon Sahib belonged to that rare breed of politicians who never compromised on their principles. He stood resolutely with the National Conference through its most challenging and triumphant phases alike. A seasoned and widely respected leader, his passing has created a profound void in the political landscape of Ladakh, particularly in Kargil, a void that will be difficult to fill for years to come. I stand in solidarity with the bereaved family during this difficult time. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat.”
Several senior party leaders also expressed deep anguish and extended their condolences to the bereaved family. All of them shared in the grief of the bereaved family and paid rich tributes to Akhoon Sahib’s lifelong dedication to public service and the party’s cause.
The NC President and CM Abdullah expressed deep sorrow over the passing of veteran party leader and former Forest Minister Peerzada Gh Ahmad Shah.
In his condolence message, Dr. Farooq said he was deeply saddened by the news of Shah Sahib’s demise. He described him as a loyal colleague and a dedicated peoples’ representative who consistently worked for the welfare and upliftment of the people. He said that Shah Sahib’s passing signifies the conclusion of a significant chapter in the party’s history, but his contributions and commitment will always be remembered. Dr. Farooq extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty grant the departed soul the highest place in Jannat.
In his message, Omar Abdullah said that Shah Sahib was among those rare political figures who remained firm in their values and convictions. He noted that he stood steadfastly with the National Conference during both its most testing and most successful periods. Calling him an experienced and widely respected leader, Omar said his death has left a deep void in the political sphere that will be hard to fill. He expressed solidarity with the grieving family including MLA Devsar Peerzada Faroz Ahmad and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul. Several senior party leaders also conveyed their condolences and expressed profound grief over the loss.