Jammu: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra expressed profound grief over the passing away of his former colleagues, Qamar Ali Akhoon and Peerzada Ghulam Ahmed Shah, terming it a deep personal loss and a major setback to the political and social landscape of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
In an emotional tribute, Sadhotra recalled the towering contributions of the two veteran leaders in public life, saying both Akhoon and Peerzada Shah devoted their entire political careers to the service of the people and to strengthening the National Conference at the grassroots level.
He said they carved out a special place for themselves through sincerity and commitment to the values nurtured by the National Conference.
Sadhotra said that both leaders left an indelible mark as mass leaders, combining administrative acumen with deep sensitivity towards public issues. They were leaders endowed with the rare qualities of both head and heart. Their understanding of governance was rooted in compassion, and their politics was guided by genuine concern for the common man, he said.
Recalling his association with them during their ministerial tenure, he said their relationship went beyond political alignment.
“As colleagues in the ministry, we enjoyed a special camaraderie. I was deeply impressed by their disciplined approach, clarity of thought, and unflinching sense of responsibility and public welfare. They believed that power was not a privilege but a trust reposed by the people,” he added.
He said Akhoon and Peerzada Shah consistently stood for inclusive development and social harmony and played a pivotal role in the regions of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Their leadership, he said, inspired younger generations within the party to uphold the ideals of service, sacrifice, and integrity.
Describing their passing as a great loss to Ladakh in general and to the National Conference in particular, Sadhotra said the void created by their demise would be extremely difficult to fill.
Sadhotra conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the departed leaders and prayed for strength and courage for them to bear the irreparable loss. He also prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls, saying their legacy of public service and dedication would continue to guide and inspire the party and the people of the regions for years to come.DD
Correspondent Jammu