Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan described Kashmir as “the crown of India”, emphasizing the need for complete normalcy in the region to manage its affairs effectively. He made this statement on Thursday while speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the revered Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar.
Khan’s emotional connection to Kashmir spans decades. Reflecting on his long-standing visits to the Valley, he noted, “I am saying this to the whole of India that Kashmir is the crown of our head.” He shared fond memories of his interactions with Kashmiri students during his early years in public life.
During his earlier tenure in the Union Home Ministry in the 1980s, Khan developed valuable relationships with Kashmiri students in Aligarh and Amritsar, whom he described as warm and engaging. “I have a long-standing bond with the people of Kashmir. Your hospitality is unmatched,” he stated, underscoring the cultural connection fostered through years of interaction.
Contextually, Khan addressed the national political landscape, asserting that India’s democracy has moved 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 explained, highlighting the transformative potential of Indian democracy.
The Governor also drew attention to the pain of partition and the lingering unrest in Kashmir, expressing deep sorrow for the hardships faced by its residents. “When a country is divided, hate becomes institutionalized, and the people of Kashmir have paid the highest price for it,” he lamented, showcasing empathy for the affected population.
Calling for peace, Khan articulated a collective national responsibility to ensure stability in Kashmir. He asserted, “The desire of the whole of India is that Kashmir function like any other state, but that requires creating normal conditions first.” His call for restoring peace emphasized the significance of national unity in overcoming regional challenges.
In his concluding statements, the Governor expressed a poignant message of empathy and solidarity. “Wherever there is pain, it is our duty to respond, because insecurity in one place is a threat to security everywhere,” Khan remarked, framing the quest for peace in Kashmir as a shared national and human responsibility.
