SRINAGAR: Ladakh is in mourning the demise of one of its most influential leaders, Haji Ghulam Hassan Khan, at the age of 88. The former two-time Member of Parliament (MP) from Ladakh, who joined politics after retiring as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, passed away on December 17 at his residence in Bathandi, Jammu.
Born on December 11, 1936, in the village of Simloo, Kargil, Ghulam Hassan Khan was a dedicated leader who devoted his life to the welfare and development of Ladakh. He was first elected to the 13th Lok Sabha in 1999, representing Ladakh, and was re-elected for a second term in 2009 to the 15th Lok Sabha. His tenure in Parliament was marked by his active involvement in various committees, including the Committee on Transport and Tourism and the Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, and Forests during his first term. In his second term, Khan contributed to the Committee on Labour and played a significant role in the political and developmental matters concerning Ladakh.
Khan’s leadership was instrumental in advocating for the rights and interests of the people of Ladakh. He was a firm supporter of regional unity and was a key figure in promoting the region’s distinct identity. His service to Ladakh extended beyond the political sphere, having been a founding member of the Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil (JUIAK) and a dedicated social worker.
His political journey was marked by notable moments, including his brief stint as an independent candidate in the 2009 general elections, after the National Conference denied him a mandate. Despite this, Khan later returned to the National Conference fold, although his involvement remained with the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). His political career continued with his election to the 3rd General Elections of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil in 2013, where he won a councillor seat from the Silmo constituency.
His passing has left a significant void in the political landscape of Ladakh, as tributes poured in from political leaders, citizens, and social workers. Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) of LAHDC Leh, Adv Tashi Gyalson, expressed his sadness, praising Khan’s immense contributions to the region. Similarly, CEC Kargil, Mohammad Jaffer Akhoon, shared his condolences, acknowledging that the loss was not only to Khan’s family but to the entire Kargil and Ladakh community.
Political leaders from various parties, including National Conference leaders Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, also extended their condolences. In his message, Dr Farooq Abdullah, the President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, remembered Khan as a dedicated public servant. Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister, attended the Namaz-e-Janaza ceremony in Jammu, and both leaders prayed for peace for the departed soul.
Former MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal and other leaders from across the region, including Rigzin Namgaul, president of the District Congress Committee Leh, paid tribute to Khan’s legacy. The widespread grief from both political and non-political figures is a testament to Khan’s lasting impact on Ladakh’s development.
