Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday described Kashmir as “the crown of India,” asserting that the region must first achieve complete normalcy before effectively managing its affairs as a state.
Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the revered Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar, Khan shared his deep emotional connection with Kashmir. “I am saying this to the whole of India that Kashmir is the crown of our head,” remarked Khan, recalling his frequent visits to the Valley throughout his public life.
Khan’s ties to the region date back decades, and he referred to his experiences while serving in the Union Home Ministry during the 1980s. He recalled interactions with Kashmiri students in cities like Aligarh and Amritsar, describing their warmth and hospitality. “I have a long-standing bond with the people of Kashmir. Your hospitality is unmatched,” he stated.
As he shifted focus to the national political landscape, the Governor underscored a shift in India’s democracy away from 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 said, highlighting the inclusive essence of Indian democracy.
Khan expressed his sorrow regarding the pain of partition and the ensuing unrest. He conveyed deep sympathy for the hardships faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir, observing, “When a country is divided, hate becomes institutionalised, and the people of Kashmir have paid the highest price for it.”
He called for peace and collective responsibility, stressing that the desire for Kashmir’s stability resonates with the entire nation. “The whole of India desires that Kashmir functions like any other state, but that requires creating normal conditions first,” Khan explained.
In his message of empathy and unity, Khan asserted that ensuring peace in Kashmir remains a shared national and human responsibility. “Wherever there is pain, it is our duty to respond, because insecurity in one place is a threat to security everywhere,” he concluded.
