VoL News Desk, February 13, 2026: Senior leader of the National Conference and Co-Chairman of the Kargil Democratic Alliance, Qamar Ali Akhoon, passed away on Friday in Jammu, triggering widespread grief across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh’s political circles. He was 67.

Hailing from Sangra village in Kargil, Akhoon was regarded as one of the most seasoned political figures from the region. Known for his grassroots outreach and firm advocacy for remote, high-altitude areas, he played a significant role in shaping Kargil’s political discourse.

He was elected in 1996 from the Kargil Assembly constituency and went on to serve in key ministerial roles. During his tenure in the government led by Omar Abdullah, Akhoon held the portfolio of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution as well as Transport. Earlier, under the government of Farooq Abdullah, he served as Minister of State for Works and Power.

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

In 2003, Akhoon became the first Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Kargil, a landmark institution aimed at decentralised governance in the region. 

On June 11, 2014, he was appointed Advisor to the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in the capacity of a Cabinet Minister, while representing the 49-Kargil constituency.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 15, 1957, into the religious ‘Akhoonpa’ family of Sangra, Akhoon lost his parents at an early age. He was raised with the support of his elder brother, Talib Hussain, who took responsibility for the family and ensured the education of Qamar Ali and his younger brother, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon.

He received his primary education in Sangra and completed matriculation from Sankoo High School in 1973. After graduating, he pursued an LLB (Honours) degree before entering active politics — a decision that marked the beginning of a long and influential public career.

Legacy in Public Life

Colleagues and political observers described Akhoon as an accessible and grounded leader who consistently raised issues concerning infrastructure, food supply, transport, and development in remote border areas. His death marks the end of an influential chapter in Kargil’s political history.