Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan on Thursday described Kashmir as “the crown of India,” asserting that the region must achieve complete normalcy to manage its affairs effectively. He shared these views while offering prayers at the revered Hazratbal Dargah in Srinagar.
Khan spoke to reporters about his long-standing emotional connection with Kashmir. He stated, “I am saying this to the whole of India that Kashmir is the crown of our head,” highlighting his frequent visits to the Valley since his early years in public life.
Recollecting his stint in the Union Home Ministry during the 1980s, Khan shared fond memories of interacting with Kashmiri students in Aligarh and Amritsar. He described Kashmiri hospitality as unmatched, saying, “I have a long-standing bond with the people of Kashmir.”
Shifting focus to national politics, the Governor emphasized the evolution of India’s democracy. “In our democracy, sovereignty lies with the people, not the leaders,” he noted, stressing that anyone, regardless of their background, can rise to significant political positions in India.
Khan also reflected on the painful legacy of partition and the ongoing unrest, expressing his sorrow over the challenges faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He stated, “When a country is divided, hate becomes institutionalised, and the people of Kashmir have paid the highest price.”
Calling for peace and collective responsibility, Khan asserted that all Indians share the desire 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,” he explained.
In a bid to foster empathy and unity across the nation, the Governor emphasized that establishing peace in Kashmir is a shared responsibility. He concluded, “Wherever there is pain, it is our duty to respond, because insecurity in one place is a threat to security everywhere.”
