Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday heralded Kashmir as “the crown of India,” emphasizing that the region must attain complete normalcy before it can manage its affairs effectively.
After offering prayers at the revered Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar, Khan shared his deep emotional connection with Kashmir, which spans several decades. “I am saying this to the whole of India that Kashmir is the crown of our head,” he remarked. He recounted how he visited the Valley numerous times since his early years in public life.
Khan drew from his experiences during his tenure in the Union Home Ministry in the 1980s. He spoke fondly of his interactions with Kashmiri students in Aligarh and Amritsar, describing them as warm and engaging. “I have a long-standing bond with the people of Kashmir. Your hospitality is unmatched,” he stated.
Addressing 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 asserted, highlighting the inclusive nature of Indian democracy.
Khan also reflected on the painful impact of partition and ensuing unrest, expressing sorrow over the hardships faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “When a country is divided, hate becomes institutionalised, and the people of Kashmir have paid the highest price for it,” he noted solemnly.
He called for peace and collective responsibility, stating that the entire nation desires to see Kashmir regain its stability. “The desire of the whole of India is that Kashmir functions like any other state, but that requires creating normal conditions first,” Khan said.
In closing, the Governor offered a message of empathy and unity, underscoring that ensuring peace in Kashmir remains a shared national and human responsibility. “Wherever there is pain, it is our duty to respond. Insecurity in one place is a threat to security everywhere,” Khan concluded.
