Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan described Kashmir as “the crown of India” during a recent visit, urging the region to achieve complete normalcy before managing its affairs effectively. He made these remarks while addressing reporters after offering prayers at the revered Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar.
Khan’s deep emotional connection with Kashmir spans several decades. “I am saying this to the whole of India that Kashmir is the crown of our head,” he stated. He reminisced about his frequent visits to the Valley since his early years in public life, reinforcing the significance of the region in the cultural and political landscape of India.
The Governor reflected on his past experiences in the Union Home Ministry during the 1980s, recalling his interactions with Kashmiri students in places like Aligarh and Amritsar. “I have a long-standing bond with the people of Kashmir. Your hospitality is unmatched,” Khan remarked, highlighting the warmth and engagement he experienced.
Shifting focus to the national political landscape, Khan underscored 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 stated, emphasizing the inclusivity that characterizes Indian democracy.
In a somber reflection, Khan expressed sorrow over the pain caused by the partition and the ensuing decades of unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. “When a country is divided, hate becomes institutionalised, and the people of Kashmir have paid the highest price for it,” he observed, shedding light on the long-term implications of such divides.
Khan called for peace and collective responsibility, reiterating that the entire nation desires to see Kashmir regain stability. “The desire of the whole of India is that Kashmir functions like any other state, but that requires creating normal conditions first,” he explained, stressing the need for a peaceful environment conducive to development.
His message resonated with sentiments of empathy and national unity, pointing out that ensuring peace in Kashmir is a shared responsibility for all Indians. “Wherever there is pain, it is our duty to respond, because insecurity in one place is a threat to security everywhere,” Khan concluded, appealing for collective efforts toward establishing peace in the region.
