Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday described Kashmir as ‘the crown of India,’ asserting that the region cannot effectively manage its affairs until it achieves complete normalcy.
Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the revered Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar, Khan expressed his emotional connection with Kashmir, which spans several decades. He stated, ‘I am saying this to the whole of India that Kashmir is the crown of our head.’ Khan recalled visiting the Valley frequently since his early public life.
Reflecting on his experience in the Union Home Ministry during the 1980s, Khan recounted his warm interactions with Kashmiri students in Aligarh and Amritsar. He noted, ‘I have a long-standing bond with the people of Kashmir. Your hospitality is unmatched.’
Shifting focus to the national political landscape, the Governor emphasized the evolution of India’s democracy beyond dynastic politics. ‘In our democracy, sovereignty lies with the people, not the leaders. A person born in an ordinary house can rise to become the Prime Minister or the President,’ he remarked, highlighting the inclusive character of Indian governance.
Khan also expressed his concerns regarding the legacy of partition and the ensuing unrest that has plagued the region. He stated, ‘When a country is divided, hate becomes institutionalised, and the people of Kashmir have paid the highest price for it.’
Advocating for peace, Khan called for collective responsibility, stating, ‘The desire of the whole of India is that Kashmir function like any other state, but that requires creating normal conditions first.’ He underlined the importance of stability in the region not only for its inhabitants but also for the nation as a whole.
In a message promoting empathy and solidarity, Khan asserted that ensuring peace in Kashmir transcends geographical boundaries, claiming, ‘Wherever there is pain, it is our duty to respond, because insecurity in one place is a threat to security everywhere.’ His sentiments echoed a broader national desire for the Kashmir region to thrive.
