Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan emphasized Kashmir’s status as “the crown of India” during a press conference in Srinagar on Thursday. He urged that the region must achieve full normalcy to effectively manage its governance.
Speaking to reporters following his prayers at the Hazratbal Dargah, Khan shared his deep emotional connection with Kashmir, which spans decades. “I am saying this to the whole of India that Kashmir is the crown of our head,” he stated, recalling numerous visits to the Valley throughout his public life.
Khan reflected on his time in the Union Home Ministry during the 1980s, recalling warm interactions with Kashmiri students. “Your hospitality is unmatched,” he praised, highlighting his long-standing relationship with the people of Kashmir.
Shifting to the broader political landscape, Khan noted that India’s democracy has transformed beyond dynastic politics. According to him, “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,” reinforcing the inclusive essence of Indian governance.
Khan also touched upon the traumatic legacy of partition and the ensuing turmoil. “When a country is divided, hate becomes institutionalised, and the people of Kashmir have paid the highest price for it,” he lamented, reflecting on the ongoing struggles faced by the region.
The Governor urged a collective approach towards peace, stating, “The desire of the whole of India is that Kashmir function like any other state, but that requires creating normal conditions first.” His message encapsulated the need for unity and cooperation in nurturing stability.
In closing, Khan conveyed a potent message of empathy and shared responsibility, stressing, “Wherever there is pain, it is our duty to respond, because insecurity in one place is a threat to security everywhere.” His remarks serve as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between Kashmir’s welfare and national security.
