Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 20

Syed Muzaffar Aga, a former chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir and India’s first ambassador to South Korea, has died at the age of 108, according to family representatives.

Aga died on Sunday at his daughter’s home in Gulberg, Lahore.

Born in Srinagar in 1919, Aga joined the Kashmir Civil Service in 1943 and served in several senior administrative positions during a career spanning nearly four decades.

He became the first transport commissioner of the erstwhile state between 1947 and 1951 and later served as deputy commissioner in several districts.

He went on to hold senior positions including director of industries, financial commissioner and principal secretary, overseeing portfolios such as industries and commerce, education, revenue and finance.

Between 1975 and 1978, Aga served on central deputation as India’s first ambassador to South Korea, where he helped strengthen bilateral ties and facilitated several agreements.

He returned to J&K and served as chief secretary from 1978 to 1980 before retiring from government service.

After retirement, Aga lived in London before moving to Pakistan with his wife following the death of their son in the 1990s.

He is survived by his daughter, Huma Aga, and grandchildren.

Family representatives described him as a distinguished civil servant whose career spanned the princely state, independent India and diplomatic service.